Composer

:

Nikolai Kedrov Jr.

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:50

"Blazhen muzh" is a choral work composed by Nikolai Kedrov Jr. in 1926. The piece premiered in Moscow in the same year and has since become one of the most popular and frequently performed works in the Russian Orthodox choral repertoire. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of Psalm 1. The first movement is a setting of verses 1-2, the second movement is based on verses 3-5, and the third movement is a setting of verses 6-7. The first movement begins with a slow, meditative introduction that sets the tone for the entire piece. The choir then enters with a chant-like melody that is repeated several times throughout the movement. The harmonies are simple and mostly homophonic, with occasional moments of polyphony. The movement ends with a return to the slow, meditative introduction. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic than the first. The choir sings a melody that is based on a Russian folk tune, with the text of the psalm set in a syllabic style. The harmonies are more complex than in the first movement, with frequent use of chromaticism and dissonance. The movement ends with a triumphant statement of the final line of the psalm. The third movement is the most complex and dramatic of the three. The choir sings a melody that is based on a chant from the Russian Orthodox liturgy, with the text of the psalm set in a more melismatic style. The harmonies are rich and varied, with frequent use of suspensions and other expressive devices. The movement builds to a powerful climax before ending with a quiet, reflective coda. Overall, "Blazhen muzh" is a masterful example of Russian Orthodox choral music. Its simple melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive text setting make it a favorite of choirs and audiences alike.

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