Composer

:

Frank Martin

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1969

First Performance

:

Oct 27, 1969

Average_duration

:

22:34

Erasmi monumentum (3) is a choral work composed by Swiss composer Frank Martin in 1952. The piece was premiered on June 29, 1952, in Basel, Switzerland, by the Basel Chamber Choir under the direction of Paul Sacher. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a text by the Dutch humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus. The first movement, "Incertus florui," is a setting of Erasmus's poem of the same name, which reflects on the uncertainty of life and the inevitability of death. The music is characterized by a somber, introspective mood, with the choir singing in a homophonic texture that emphasizes the text's contemplative nature. The second movement, "Inviolata, integra et casta es," is a setting of a hymn to the Virgin Mary that Erasmus wrote in honor of his mother. The music is more upbeat and celebratory than the first movement, with the choir singing in a polyphonic texture that highlights the text's joyful praise of Mary's purity and virtue. The final movement, "Ut queant laxis," is a setting of a hymn to St. John the Baptist that is best known for its use in the solfège system of music education. Martin's setting of the hymn is notable for its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, which create a sense of tension and urgency that reflects the text's exhortation to "open the gates of the heavenly kingdom." Overall, Erasmi monumentum (3) is a deeply expressive and introspective work that showcases Martin's mastery of choral writing. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and sensitive treatment of the text, which reflects Martin's deep engagement with the humanist ideals of Erasmus and his commitment to exploring the spiritual dimensions of the human experience.

More....