Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1915

Average_duration

:

1:21

"From the Gospel of St John, TN ii/57" is a choral work composed by Sergey Rachmaninov in 1915. The piece was premiered on March 10, 1915, in Moscow, Russia, by the Moscow Synodal Choir under the direction of Nikolai Danilin. The work is a setting of the text from the Gospel of St John, chapter 2, verse 57, which reads, "But he that shall do the will of God, abideth for ever." Rachmaninov's setting is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement begins with a solemn and contemplative choral introduction, setting the stage for the text to come. The choir then sings the first line of the text in unison, before breaking into a rich and complex polyphonic texture. The music builds in intensity, with the choir reaching a powerful climax on the words "the will of God." The second movement is more subdued, with a gentle and flowing melody that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. The choir sings the text in a more homophonic style, with the voices blending together in a seamless harmony. The movement ends with a quiet and introspective coda, as the choir repeats the words "abideth for ever" in a hushed and reverent tone. The final movement is the most dramatic of the three, with a driving rhythm and soaring melodies that convey a sense of triumph and exaltation. The choir sings the text in a more declamatory style, with each voice part taking turns to proclaim the words "the will of God." The movement builds to a thrilling climax, with the choir reaching a triumphant final chord on the words "abideth for ever." Overall, "From the Gospel of St John, TN ii/57" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Rachmaninov's mastery of choral writing. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, complex polyphonic textures, and dramatic contrasts of mood and tempo.

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