Composer

:

Max Reger

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Kyrie

Compose Date

:

Jan 7, 1901

Average_duration

:

5:30

Max Reger's 'Kyrie eleison in D minor, Op. 59/7' is a choral work that was composed in 1901. It was premiered on November 17, 1901, in Munich, Germany, by the Munich Court Orchestra and the Munich Court Choir under the direction of Felix Mottl. The piece is part of Reger's 'Hymn of Praise' or 'Symphony of Cantatas,' which is a collection of eight choral works that are based on biblical texts. The 'Kyrie eleison in D minor, Op. 59/7' is the seventh movement of the 'Hymn of Praise' and is written for a four-part choir and orchestra. The piece begins with a somber and mournful introduction in the orchestra, which sets the tone for the choral entrance. The choir enters with the words "Kyrie eleison" (Lord, have mercy), which are repeated throughout the piece. The piece is characterized by its use of chromaticism, which is a musical technique that involves the use of notes that are not part of the traditional diatonic scale. Reger uses chromaticism to create a sense of tension and unease in the piece, which reflects the somber and mournful nature of the text. The 'Kyrie eleison in D minor, Op. 59/7' is divided into three sections, with the middle section being the most complex and intense. In this section, the choir and orchestra engage in a call-and-response dialogue, with the choir singing the words "Christe eleison" (Christ, have mercy) and the orchestra responding with a series of dissonant chords. The piece ends with a return to the somber and mournful introduction, which brings the piece to a close. Overall, the 'Kyrie eleison in D minor, Op. 59/7' is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Reger's mastery of chromaticism and his ability to create a sense of tension and unease in his music.

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