Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Publication Date

:

1871

Average_duration

:

3:39

"St. Gertrude" is a cantata composed by Arthur Sullivan in 1871. It premiered on June 22, 1871, at the Norwich Festival. The cantata is divided into four movements and is based on the life of St. Gertrude, a 13th-century German nun and mystic. The first movement, "The Vision," begins with a gentle introduction by the orchestra, followed by a solo by the soprano, who sings of St. Gertrude's vision of Christ. The choir then enters, singing of the beauty of the vision and the joy it brings. The second movement, "The Prayer," is a solo by the contralto, who sings of St. Gertrude's devotion to Christ and her desire to be closer to him. The choir then enters, singing of the power of prayer and the comfort it brings. The third movement, "The Revelation," begins with a lively orchestral introduction, followed by a solo by the tenor, who sings of St. Gertrude's revelation of the love of Christ. The choir then enters, singing of the power of love and the joy it brings. The final movement, "The Praise," is a triumphant chorus sung by the choir, praising St. Gertrude and her devotion to Christ. The orchestra provides a grand accompaniment, with brass and percussion adding to the celebratory mood. Overall, "St. Gertrude" is a beautiful and uplifting work, showcasing Sullivan's skill as a composer. The cantata is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and powerful choral writing. It remains a popular work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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