Composer

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Sigfrid Karg-Elert

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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5:54

Sigfrid Karg-Elert was a German composer and organist who lived from 1877 to 1933. He was known for his innovative use of harmonies and textures in his compositions, and his works often featured virtuosic writing for the organ. One of Karg-Elert's most famous works is his "Sursum Corda, Op. 155/2," which was composed in 1916. The piece is part of a larger collection of organ works called "66 Chorale Improvisations," which Karg-Elert wrote between 1909 and 1917. "Sursum Corda" is a Latin phrase that means "lift up your hearts," and the piece is intended to be a musical representation of this idea. The work is in three movements, each of which has its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody that is played in the right hand. The left hand provides a gentle accompaniment, and the overall effect is one of peaceful contemplation. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is much more lively and energetic than the first. The melody is played in the pedals, while the hands provide a virtuosic accompaniment that is full of rapid runs and arpeggios. This movement is meant to represent the joy and exuberance of lifting up one's heart in praise. The final movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is the most introspective of the three. The melody is played in the left hand, while the right hand provides a delicate accompaniment. The pedals provide a sustained bass line that gives the movement a sense of weight and gravity. This movement is meant to represent the solemnity and reverence that comes with lifting up one's heart in prayer. Overall, "Sursum Corda" is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Karg-Elert's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the organ as an instrument. Its three movements provide a range of emotions and moods, and the work as a whole is a powerful representation of the idea of lifting up one's heart in praise and prayer.

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