Composer

:

Luciano Berio

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

24:55

Canticum novissimi testamenti is a choral work composed by Luciano Berio in 1970. It was premiered on October 22, 1970, at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a text from the New Testament. The first movement, titled "Responsorium," is based on the text from the Gospel of John, "In the beginning was the Word." The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the text in a chant-like manner. The choir then enters, singing the same text in a more complex and dissonant manner. The movement builds to a climax before ending with a quiet, reflective section. The second movement, titled "Alleluia," is based on the text from the Book of Revelation, "Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." The movement is characterized by its use of repetition and layering of voices. The choir sings the text in a rhythmic, chant-like manner, with each voice entering at a different time. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before ending abruptly. The third and final movement, titled "Responsorium II," is based on the text from the Gospel of Matthew, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" The movement begins with a solo tenor voice singing the text in a mournful, lamenting manner. The choir then enters, singing the same text in a more complex and dissonant manner. The movement builds to a climax before ending with a quiet, reflective section. Overall, Canticum novissimi testamenti is characterized by its use of complex harmonies, dissonant chords, and unconventional vocal techniques. Berio was known for his experimentation with sound and his use of extended vocal techniques, and these elements are evident throughout the work. The work is also notable for its use of repetition and layering of voices, which creates a sense of depth and complexity.

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