Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1998

First Performance

:

Jun 23, 1999

Average_duration

:

5:31

Hymnus is a choral work composed by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara in 1972. The piece was premiered on May 12, 1972, by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, conducted by Paavo Berglund. Hymnus is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, mixed choir, and a solo cello. The text of the piece is taken from the Latin hymn "Te Deum," which is traditionally sung at the end of a church service to give thanks and praise to God. The piece begins with a slow and solemn introduction, featuring the solo cello playing a mournful melody. The choir then enters, singing the opening lines of the "Te Deum" text in unison. The orchestra gradually builds in intensity, with the brass and percussion adding a sense of grandeur and power to the music. The middle section of the piece features a solo cello cadenza, which is both virtuosic and introspective. The choir then returns, singing the text in a more joyful and celebratory manner. The orchestra continues to build in intensity, with the brass and percussion reaching a thunderous climax. The final section of the piece features a return to the slow and solemn music of the opening, with the choir singing the final lines of the "Te Deum" text in a hushed and reverent manner. The piece ends with a quiet and peaceful coda, featuring the solo cello playing a gentle melody. Overall, Hymnus is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Rautavaara's skill as a composer. The piece combines elements of both traditional choral music and modern orchestral music, creating a unique and memorable sound. The use of the solo cello adds a sense of intimacy and introspection to the piece, while the choir and orchestra provide a sense of grandeur and power.

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