Composer

:

Zoltán Kodály

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1948

Publication Date

:

1950

First Performance

:

Sep 9, 1948

Average_duration

:

32:09

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Zoltán Kodály's 'Missa Brevis for soloists, chorus & orchestra' is a sacred choral work that was composed in 1944. The piece was premiered on December 10, 1945, in Budapest, Hungary, by the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Hungarian Radio Chorus, conducted by the composer himself. The 'Missa Brevis' consists of six movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. The piece is written for four soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), mixed chorus, and orchestra. The work is characterized by its use of Hungarian folk melodies and rhythms, which are integrated into the traditional Latin text of the Mass. The Kyrie begins with a solemn choral introduction, followed by a solo soprano singing a Hungarian folk melody. The Gloria is a lively movement that features a fugue-like section and a joyful choral section. The Credo is a complex movement that includes a solo tenor singing a Hungarian folk melody and a choral section that alternates between homophonic and polyphonic textures. The Sanctus is a celebratory movement that features a solo soprano singing a Hungarian folk melody and a choral section that includes a fugue-like section. The Benedictus is a peaceful movement that features a solo alto singing a Hungarian folk melody and a choral section that includes a canon-like section. The Agnus Dei is a solemn movement that features a solo bass singing a Hungarian folk melody and a choral section that includes a fugue-like section. Overall, the 'Missa Brevis' is a beautiful and unique work that showcases Kodály's mastery of choral writing and his use of Hungarian folk music. The piece is a testament to Kodály's commitment to preserving and promoting Hungarian culture through his music.

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