Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

Oct 9, 1846

Publication Date

:

1849

Average_duration

:

1:58

Erhaben, O Herr, über alles Lob, Op. 79/3 is a choral work composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1844. It was premiered on March 3, 1845, in Leipzig, Germany, as part of a concert celebrating the 400th anniversary of the invention of printing. The work is divided into three movements, with the text taken from Psalm 145. The first movement is a choral fugue, with the choir singing the words "Erhaben, O Herr, über alles Lob" (Exalted, O Lord, above all praise) in a complex and intricate counterpoint. The second movement is a solo aria for soprano, with the text "Die Augen aller sehen auf dich" (The eyes of all look to you), accompanied by a gentle and flowing orchestral accompaniment. The final movement is a choral setting of the text "Lob und Preis sei Gott" (Praise and glory be to God), with the choir and orchestra building to a triumphant conclusion. The work is characterized by Mendelssohn's skillful use of counterpoint and his ability to create a sense of grandeur and majesty through his use of harmony and orchestration. The choral fugue in the first movement is particularly impressive, with Mendelssohn demonstrating his mastery of the form and his ability to create a complex and intricate musical texture. Overall, Erhaben, O Herr, über alles Lob, Op. 79/3 is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Mendelssohn's talents as a composer and his deep faith in God. Its premiere was a great success, and it has since become a beloved part of the choral repertoire.

More....