Composer

:

Leos Janácek

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1885

Publication Date

:

1886

Average_duration

:

10:02

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Leos Janácek's 'Male-Voice Choruses (Ctverice muzskych sboru) (4), JW 4/17' is a collection of four choral pieces composed between 1909 and 1927. The four movements are titled 'Our Father (Otce náš)', 'The Wild Duck (Divoká kachna)', 'The Wolf's Trail (Vlcí stopa)', and 'Good Night (Dobrou noc)'. The premiere of the work was in 1930, after Janácek's death. The first movement, 'Our Father', is a setting of the Lord's Prayer in Czech. It begins with a solo tenor voice, followed by the full choir. The piece is characterized by its simple, yet powerful harmonies and the use of repetition to create a sense of unity and reverence. The second movement, 'The Wild Duck', is a lively and energetic piece that tells the story of a wild duck being hunted by a group of hunters. The choir imitates the sounds of the hunters and the duck, creating a vivid and dramatic scene. The piece is notable for its use of syncopated rhythms and dynamic contrasts. The third movement, 'The Wolf's Trail', is a haunting and atmospheric piece that tells the story of a wolf on the hunt. The choir uses a variety of vocal techniques, including whispers, growls, and howls, to create a sense of tension and suspense. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional vocal effects. The final movement, 'Good Night', is a gentle and soothing lullaby. The choir sings in a hushed and tender tone, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. The piece is characterized by its use of simple, yet beautiful harmonies and its gentle, flowing melody. Overall, 'Male-Voice Choruses (Ctverice muzskych sboru) (4), JW 4/17' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Janácek's skill as a composer and his ability to create vivid and expressive choral music.

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