Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1765

Average_duration

:

1:05

'God is our refuge, K. 20' is a sacred choral work composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1765 when he was just nine years old. The piece was written for four-part choir, strings, and organ. It is believed that Mozart composed this piece for the Salzburg Cathedral, where he was a choirboy. The piece consists of three movements. The first movement is a choral fugue in D minor, which sets the text "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." The second movement is a soprano solo with strings and organ accompaniment, which sets the text "Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." The third movement is a choral setting of the text "The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge." The first movement is characterized by its contrapuntal texture, with each voice entering one by one in imitation of the opening theme. The second movement is more lyrical and features a solo soprano singing a beautiful melody over a simple accompaniment. The third movement is a joyful and triumphant setting of the text, with the choir and orchestra coming together in a grand finale. Overall, 'God is our refuge, K. 20' is a remarkable achievement for a nine-year-old composer. It demonstrates Mozart's early mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create beautiful melodies. The piece is still performed today and is a testament to Mozart's enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of all time.

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