Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1693

Publication Date

:

1693

Average_duration

:

5:53

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's 'Dixit Dominus' is a vesper-psalm in D major, also known as Vesperae Longiores I/1, composed in the late 1670s. It was premiered in Salzburg, Austria, where Biber was employed as the court composer for the Archbishop of Salzburg. The piece is divided into ten movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, 'Dixit Dominus', is a grand opening with a majestic choral entrance. The second movement, 'Donec ponam', is a duet between two sopranos, accompanied by a solo violin. The third movement, 'Juravit Dominus', is a lively and energetic chorus with a prominent trumpet part. The fourth movement, 'Tu es sacerdos', is a beautiful and serene aria for alto soloist, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The fifth movement, 'Dominus a dextris tuis', is a triumphant chorus with a prominent trumpet part. The sixth movement, 'Judicabit in nationibus', is a dramatic and intense aria for bass soloist, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The seventh movement, 'De torrente in via bibet', is a joyful and lively duet for two sopranos, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The eighth movement, 'Gloria Patri', is a grand and majestic chorus with a prominent trumpet part. The ninth movement, 'Sicut erat', is a beautiful and serene duet for two sopranos, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The final movement, 'Amen', is a grand and triumphant chorus with a prominent trumpet part. Overall, 'Dixit Dominus' is a stunning example of Baroque choral music, with its intricate vocal and instrumental parts, dramatic contrasts, and grandiose sound. It showcases Biber's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and powerful.

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