Composer

:

Knut Nystedt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:20

'Peace I Leave With You, Op. 43/2' is a choral work composed by Knut Nystedt, a Norwegian composer, conductor, and organist. The piece was composed in 1985 and premiered the same year in Oslo, Norway. The work is written for a four-part choir, with the text taken from the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The piece is divided into three movements, with each movement exploring a different aspect of the text. The first movement begins with a simple, unison melody sung by the choir, which gradually builds in intensity as the voices overlap and harmonize. The text is repeated several times, with each repetition adding more layers of harmony and complexity. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful resolution, as the choir sings the final line of the text in unison. The second movement is more introspective, with the choir singing in a slower, more contemplative tempo. The harmonies are more dissonant, reflecting the troubled and fearful state of mind described in the text. The movement builds to a climax, with the choir singing the words "let not your heart be troubled" in a powerful, almost desperate tone. The movement ends with a quiet, unresolved chord, leaving the listener with a sense of uncertainty and unease. The final movement is a return to the peaceful, harmonious sound of the first movement. The choir sings the text in a gentle, flowing melody, with the harmonies gradually building in complexity and richness. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful resolution, as the choir sings the final line of the text in unison once again. Overall, 'Peace I Leave With You, Op. 43/2' is a powerful and moving choral work that explores the themes of peace, fear, and uncertainty. Nystedt's use of simple melodies and complex harmonies creates a sense of tension and release, reflecting the emotional journey of the text. The work is a testament to Nystedt's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience.

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