Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1939

Average_duration

:

21:28

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Dies Natalis, Op. 8 is a song cycle composed by Gerald Finzi in 1939. The work is based on a series of poems by the 17th-century English poet Thomas Traherne. The premiere of the work was given on 24 April 1940 at the Wigmore Hall in London, with tenor Wilfred Brown and the composer at the piano. The work consists of seven movements, each of which sets a different poem by Traherne. The first movement, "Prologue," sets the stage for the rest of the work, with a gentle, flowing melody that introduces the themes of innocence and wonder that pervade Traherne's poetry. The second movement, "Rhapsody," is a more energetic and rhythmic setting of Traherne's poem "Innocence." The third movement, "The Rapture," is a slow and contemplative setting of Traherne's poem "Wonder." The fourth movement, "The Salutation," is a joyful and celebratory setting of Traherne's poem "Salutation." The fifth movement, "The Stranger," is a haunting and mysterious setting of Traherne's poem "The Third Century." The sixth movement, "The Call," is a more urgent and dramatic setting of Traherne's poem "The Call." The final movement, "Epilogue," brings the work to a peaceful and reflective close, with a return to the gentle melody of the opening "Prologue." The music of Dies Natalis is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive treatment of the text. Finzi's music is deeply expressive, capturing the sense of wonder and innocence that pervades Traherne's poetry. The work is also notable for its use of counterpoint, with multiple melodies weaving in and out of each other to create a rich and complex texture. Overall, Dies Natalis is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Finzi's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the poetry of Thomas Traherne. Its premiere in 1940 was a great success, and the work has since become one of Finzi's most beloved compositions.

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