Composer

:

Anton Bruckner

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1868

Average_duration

:

4:27

Anton Bruckner's "Pange lingua et Tantum ergo, WAB 33" is a sacred choral work composed in 1868. It was premiered on September 13, 1868, at the St. Florian Monastery in Austria, where Bruckner served as the organist and choir director. The work consists of two movements, "Pange lingua" and "Tantum ergo," both of which are hymns traditionally sung during the Catholic liturgy. "Pange lingua" is a hymn of praise to the Eucharist, while "Tantum ergo" is a hymn of adoration to the Blessed Sacrament. The first movement, "Pange lingua," begins with a solemn and majestic choral introduction, followed by a solo tenor recitative. The choir then enters with a powerful and harmonically rich setting of the hymn text. The movement features Bruckner's signature use of chromaticism and modulation, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the piece. The second movement, "Tantum ergo," is a more subdued and contemplative setting of the hymn text. It begins with a gentle and flowing choral introduction, followed by a solo soprano recitative. The choir then enters with a simple and elegant setting of the text, featuring lush harmonies and delicate counterpoint. Overall, "Pange lingua et Tantum ergo, WAB 33" is a masterful example of Bruckner's skill in choral composition. It showcases his ability to create rich and complex harmonies, while also maintaining a sense of reverence and solemnity appropriate for the sacred texts.

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