Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1902

Average_duration

:

1:50

"They Answered, Op.21/4" is a choral work composed by Sergey Rachmaninov in 1912. It was premiered in Moscow on December 8, 1912, by the Russian Choral Society, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is part of a set of six choral works, collectively known as "Six Choruses, Op.21," which were composed between 1910 and 1912. "They Answered" is the fourth piece in the set and is written for a mixed choir of four parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). The text of the piece is taken from the Russian Orthodox liturgy and is a response to the priest's call for the congregation to pray. The choir responds with the words "We praise thee, we bless thee, we give thanks to thee, O Lord, and we pray to thee, our God." The piece is characterized by Rachmaninov's signature lush harmonies and rich textures. The opening chords of the piece are particularly striking, with the choir singing a series of dense, dissonant chords that gradually resolve into a more consonant harmony. The piece is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections featuring the full choir singing in unison or in four-part harmony. The middle section features a solo soprano singing a melodic line over a subdued choral accompaniment. Overall, "They Answered" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Rachmaninov's mastery of choral writing and his ability to create rich, complex harmonies.

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