Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

7:38

The Beatitudes is a choral work composed by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt in 1990. It was premiered on October 14, 1990, in Essen, Germany, by the Hilliard Ensemble. The work is based on the eight Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. The Beatitudes is divided into eight movements, each corresponding to one of the Beatitudes. The first movement, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," is characterized by a simple, chant-like melody sung by the choir in unison. The second movement, "Blessed are they that mourn," features a mournful melody sung by the choir in a homophonic texture. The third movement, "Blessed are the meek," is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody sung by the choir in a polyphonic texture. The fourth movement, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness," features a rising and falling melody sung by the choir in a homophonic texture. The fifth movement, "Blessed are the merciful," is characterized by a simple, chant-like melody sung by the choir in unison. The sixth movement, "Blessed are the pure in heart," features a soaring melody sung by the choir in a polyphonic texture. The seventh movement, "Blessed are the peacemakers," is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody sung by the choir in a homophonic texture. The final movement, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake," features a mournful melody sung by the choir in a homophonic texture. The Beatitudes is a prime example of Pärt's signature style, which he calls "tintinnabuli." This style is characterized by simple, chant-like melodies and a focus on the interplay between consonance and dissonance. The work is also notable for its use of silence, which Pärt uses to create a sense of contemplation and reflection. Overall, The Beatitudes is a powerful and moving work that captures the essence of the Beatitudes in a simple and profound way. Its timeless message of compassion, mercy, and peace continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

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