Composer

:

Erich Zeisl

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Apr 1927

Average_duration

:

2:34

'Komm, heil'ge Nacht' is a choral work composed by Erich Zeisl in 1943. The piece was premiered in Los Angeles in 1944 by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Roger Wagner Chorale. The work is divided into three movements and is written for mixed choir and orchestra. The first movement, 'Komm, heil'ge Nacht', is a setting of a poem by Friedrich von Schiller. The music is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The orchestra provides a gentle accompaniment, with soft strings and woodwinds creating a peaceful atmosphere. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, 'O selige Nacht', is a setting of a poem by Joseph von Eichendorff. The music is more lively than the first movement, with the choir singing in harmony and the orchestra providing a more energetic accompaniment. The movement features a solo soprano singing a beautiful melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The movement ends with a triumphant coda. The third movement, 'O du fröhliche', is a setting of a traditional German Christmas carol. The music is joyful and celebratory, with the choir singing in harmony and the orchestra providing a lively accompaniment. The movement features a solo tenor singing the first verse of the carol, which is then taken up by the choir. The movement ends with a rousing coda, bringing the work to a joyful conclusion. Overall, 'Komm, heil'ge Nacht' is a beautiful and moving choral work, showcasing Zeisl's skill as a composer. The work is characterized by its contemplative and joyful moments, with the choir and orchestra working together to create a rich and expressive musical experience.

More....