Composer

:

Edvard Grieg

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1877 - 1878

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

3:13

"The Great, White Host, Op. 30/10" is a choral work composed by Edvard Grieg in 1877. It premiered on February 17, 1878, in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway, with the composer conducting. The piece is part of Grieg's song cycle "Haugtussa," which is based on a collection of poems by Arne Garborg. "The Great, White Host" is the tenth and final movement of "Haugtussa" and is written for a mixed choir and piano. The text of the piece describes a vision of a procession of ghosts, or "the great, white host," passing by the narrator's window. The music is haunting and ethereal, with the choir singing in a slow, mournful tempo. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere of the piece. The piece is characterized by its use of Norwegian folk melodies and Grieg's signature harmonic language. The melody of the opening line of the choir is based on a traditional Norwegian folk song, which Grieg weaves into the fabric of the piece. The harmonies are rich and complex, with Grieg using chromaticism and unexpected chord progressions to create a sense of unease and mystery. Overall, "The Great, White Host" is a haunting and evocative piece of choral music that showcases Grieg's skill as a composer. Its use of Norwegian folk melodies and Grieg's unique harmonic language make it a standout work in the choral repertoire.

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