Composer

:

Per Nørgård

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1974 - 1975

Average_duration

:

11:14

"Singe die Gärten, mein Herz" is a vocal work composed by Danish composer Per Nørgård in 1989. The piece was premiered on October 22, 1989, in Copenhagen, Denmark, by the Danish National Radio Choir, conducted by Stefan Parkman. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, "Singe die Gärten, mein Herz," is a setting of a poem by the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke. The music is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody that is passed between the voices of the choir. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonances that create a sense of tension and release. The second movement, "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen," is a setting of a poem by the Austrian poet Friedrich Rückert. The music is more introspective and contemplative than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more sustained harmonies. The choir sings the text in a hushed, reverential tone, creating a sense of intimacy and introspection. The final movement, "Ich wandre durch Theresienstadt," is a setting of a poem by an anonymous author who was imprisoned in the Theresienstadt concentration camp during World War II. The music is characterized by a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency, reflecting the desperation and hopelessness of the prisoners. The choir sings the text with a sense of defiance and determination, creating a powerful and emotional climax to the work. Overall, "Singe die Gärten, mein Herz" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Nørgård's skill as a composer. The piece combines rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and expressive melodies to create a work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

More....