Composer

:

Caroline Shaw

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2009

Average_duration

:

8:57

"In manus tuas" is a choral composition by Caroline Shaw, an American composer, violinist, and singer. The piece was composed in 2014 and premiered on March 21, 2014, at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City. The composition is a setting of the Latin text "In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum" (Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit), which is a prayer traditionally recited during the Catholic liturgy of the hours. The text is taken from the Gospel of Luke and is also associated with the last words of Jesus on the cross. The piece is written for a four-part choir (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "slow and sustained" and features a simple, chant-like melody that is passed between the different voice parts. The second movement is marked "fast and rhythmic" and features a more complex, syncopated rhythm. The third movement returns to the slower, more contemplative mood of the first movement. One of the most striking characteristics of "In manus tuas" is its use of extended vocal techniques. Throughout the piece, the singers are called upon to produce a wide range of sounds, including whispers, breaths, and vocal fry. These techniques are used to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as if the singers are whispering the prayer directly into the listener's ear. Another notable feature of the piece is its use of harmony. While the piece is largely tonal, Shaw incorporates unexpected chord progressions and dissonances that give the music a sense of tension and release. This creates a sense of emotional depth that is well-suited to the text of the prayer. Overall, "In manus tuas" is a powerful and moving composition that showcases Caroline Shaw's skill as a composer and her ability to create music that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

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