Composer

:

Gustav Holst

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1917

Average_duration

:

21:52

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

The Hymn of Jesus, Op. 37, H. 140 is a choral work composed by Gustav Holst in 1917-1918. It was premiered on December 21, 1920, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by Holst himself. The work is based on a text from the apocryphal Acts of John, which describes a mystical experience of Jesus and his disciples. The Hymn of Jesus is divided into two movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, titled "Invocation to the Mystic Jesus," begins with a solemn and mysterious introduction, featuring a solo cello and a choir singing in unison. The music gradually builds in intensity, as the choir sings the words "Glory to thee, Father," and the orchestra adds layers of sound, including a prominent organ part. The movement reaches a climax with the choir singing "Glory to thee, Christ," accompanied by a powerful brass fanfare. The second movement, titled "Dance of the Disciples," is a lively and rhythmic dance, featuring a variety of percussion instruments, including tambourines, cymbals, and a triangle. The choir sings in a lively and syncopated rhythm, with the words "We have danced in the light of the Lord," while the orchestra provides a lively accompaniment, featuring a prominent harp part. The movement builds to a frenzied climax, with the choir and orchestra reaching a fever pitch of excitement. The Hymn of Jesus is characterized by Holst's use of modal harmonies and unconventional rhythms, which give the work a mystical and otherworldly quality. The work also features Holst's signature use of orchestral color, with a wide variety of instruments and textures used throughout the piece. The work is considered one of Holst's most important choral works, and has been performed and recorded by many choirs and orchestras around the world.

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