Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

2007

First Performance

:

February 27, 2009

Average_duration

:

2:54

"Sei gelobt, du Baum" is a choral work composed by Arvo Pärt in 2007. The piece was premiered on September 8, 2007, in the St. Mary's Church in Lübeck, Germany, by the NDR Chor under the direction of Philipp Ahmann. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement is based on a poem by Friedrich Nietzsche, "Vor Sonnen-Aufgang," and is marked "Sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (very slow and expressive). The second movement is based on a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, "Herbsttag," and is marked "Langsam und ruhig" (slow and calm). The final movement is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, "Gefunden," and is marked "Sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (very slow and expressive). The piece is characterized by Pärt's signature style of tintinnabuli, which is a compositional technique that involves the use of two voices, one of which moves in a stepwise motion while the other voice plays a fixed note. This creates a bell-like sound that is both simple and profound. In "Sei gelobt, du Baum," Pärt uses this technique to create a sense of reverence and awe. The slow, deliberate pace of the music, combined with the rich harmonies and soaring melodies, creates a sense of timelessness and transcendence. Overall, "Sei gelobt, du Baum" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Pärt's unique compositional style and his ability to create music that is both simple and profound.

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