Composer

:

R. Murray Schafer

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1978

"Apocalypsis" is a monumental work of music theater composed by Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer. The piece was composed between 1976 and 1977 and premiered on June 5, 1980, at the O'Keefe Centre in Toronto, Canada. The work is divided into two parts, each with seven movements, and is scored for a massive ensemble of over 1,000 performers, including choirs, orchestras, soloists, and actors. The first part of "Apocalypsis" is titled "The Earthly Paradise" and is based on the biblical story of creation. The seven movements of this part are titled "The Garden," "The Waters," "The Firmament," "The Sun and Moon," "The Birds and Fish," "The Beasts," and "The Creation of Man." The music in this part is characterized by lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and a sense of wonder and awe. The second part of "Apocalypsis" is titled "The Heavenly City" and is based on the biblical book of Revelation. The seven movements of this part are titled "The Seven Seals," "The Seven Trumpets," "The Woman and the Dragon," "The Beast," "The Whore of Babylon," "The Battle of Armageddon," and "The New Jerusalem." The music in this part is characterized by dissonant harmonies, angular melodies, and a sense of chaos and destruction. Throughout "Apocalypsis," Schafer employs a wide range of musical techniques, including aleatoric (chance) music, extended vocal techniques, and unconventional instruments such as conch shells and bullroarers. The piece also incorporates elements of theater, with actors and dancers performing alongside the musicians. Overall, "Apocalypsis" is a powerful and ambitious work that explores themes of creation, destruction, and redemption. Its massive scale and innovative approach to music theater make it a landmark work in Canadian music history.

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