Composer

:

Olli Kortekangas

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

7:37

"Verbum Kaksoissekakuorolle" is a choral work composed by Olli Kortekangas in 2005. The piece was premiered on October 29, 2005, by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir and the Tapiola Chamber Choir, conducted by Eric-Olof Söderström, at the Helsinki Music Centre in Finland. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a text from the Bible. The movements are titled "In principio erat Verbum," "Et Verbum caro factum est," "Et Verbum habitavit in nobis," "Verbum Domini manet in aeternum," "Verbum supernum prodiens," and "Verbum Dei vivi." The piece is scored for two choirs, each with four vocal parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). The choirs are positioned on opposite sides of the performance space, creating a spatial effect that is integral to the work. The music is characterized by dense harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and a wide range of vocal textures, from ethereal, floating lines to powerful, declamatory passages. Kortekangas's setting of the biblical texts is highly expressive, with each movement exploring a different aspect of the relationship between the divine and the human. The opening movement, "In principio erat Verbum," sets the stage with a shimmering, otherworldly texture that gradually builds in intensity. The second movement, "Et Verbum caro factum est," is more grounded in earthly reality, with the choirs singing in unison to depict the incarnation of the Word. The third movement, "Et Verbum habitavit in nobis," is a contemplative meditation on the indwelling of the divine in the human soul. The fourth movement, "Verbum Domini manet in aeternum," is a jubilant celebration of the eternal nature of the Word, with the choirs trading off exultant phrases. The fifth movement, "Verbum supernum prodiens," is a mystical exploration of the divine light that shines forth from the Word. The final movement, "Verbum Dei vivi," is a powerful affirmation of faith, with the choirs joining together in a resounding declaration of the living Word. Overall, "Verbum Kaksoissekakuorolle" is a deeply spiritual work that explores the mysteries of faith through the medium of choral music. Its intricate harmonies, expressive textures, and spatial effects make it a compelling and immersive listening experience.

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