Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Kyrie

Compose Date

:

1771

Average_duration

:

2:15

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed the 'Kyrie for chorus & continuo in D minor, K. 90' in 1770 when he was just 14 years old. The piece was premiered in Salzburg, Austria, on Easter Sunday of the same year. The 'Kyrie' is a part of the Catholic Mass and is typically sung at the beginning of the service. It is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness, and Mozart's version is a beautiful example of his early choral writing. The 'Kyrie for chorus & continuo in D minor, K. 90' is divided into three movements: Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, and Kyrie eleison. The first and third movements are in D minor, while the second movement is in B-flat major. The piece is scored for four-part choir and continuo, which typically includes a keyboard instrument and a bass instrument such as a cello or bassoon. The first movement, Kyrie eleison, begins with a somber and mournful melody in the choir. The music is slow and deliberate, with the choir singing the words "Kyrie eleison" (Lord, have mercy) in a call-and-response style. The music builds in intensity as the choir repeats the phrase, with the continuo providing a steady bass line. The second movement, Christe eleison, is more upbeat and joyful than the first. The choir sings the words "Christe eleison" (Christ, have mercy) in a lively and energetic melody. The music is in B-flat major, which provides a contrast to the D minor of the first and third movements. The final movement, Kyrie eleison, returns to the somber and mournful tone of the first. The choir sings the words "Kyrie eleison" once again, with the music building in intensity as the piece comes to a close. The continuo provides a steady bass line throughout the movement, adding to the sense of solemnity and reverence. Overall, the 'Kyrie for chorus & continuo in D minor, K. 90' is a beautiful example of Mozart's early choral writing. The piece showcases his ability to create complex and emotional music, even at a young age. The somber and mournful tone of the piece is balanced by moments of joy and celebration, making it a powerful and moving addition to any choral repertoire.

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