Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1914 - 1915

Average_duration

:

13:48

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Jean Sibelius' 'Partsongs (5), Op. 84' is a collection of five choral works composed between 1914 and 1917. The pieces were premiered in Helsinki in 1917, with Sibelius conducting the Helsinki University Chorus. The five movements are titled 'Rakastava' (The Lover), 'Saarella palaa' (Fire on the Island), 'Herran jestas' (Lord Have Mercy), 'Venematka' (The Boat Journey), and 'Rakastava' (The Lover). The first movement, 'Rakastava', is a setting of a Finnish text by Kallio. It is a tender and melancholic piece, with a simple melody and rich harmonies. The second movement, 'Saarella palaa', is a setting of a poem by Eino Leino. It is a dramatic and intense piece, with a driving rhythm and powerful choral writing. The third movement, 'Herran jestas', is a setting of a Finnish folk song. It is a lively and energetic piece, with a playful melody and rhythmic vitality. The fourth movement, 'Venematka', is a setting of a poem by Aino Kallas. It is a serene and peaceful piece, with a gentle melody and delicate harmonies. The final movement, 'Rakastava', is a reprise of the first movement, but with a different text by Sibelius himself. It is a more complex and sophisticated piece than the first movement, with intricate harmonies and a more elaborate choral texture. Overall, 'Partsongs (5), Op. 84' is a beautiful and varied collection of choral works, showcasing Sibelius' skill as a composer of both melody and harmony. The pieces are deeply rooted in Finnish folk traditions, but also display a sophisticated and modern sensibility. They are a testament to Sibelius' enduring legacy as one of Finland's greatest composers.

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