Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2000

Average_duration

:

16:39

Cecilia, vergine romana is a choral work composed by Arvo Pärt in 2000. The piece is based on the life of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, who was martyred in Rome in the 3rd century. The work is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of Cecilia's life and legacy. The first movement, "O intemerata," is a setting of a medieval hymn to Cecilia. The music is characterized by a simple, chant-like melody that is repeated and varied throughout the movement. The choir sings in unison for much of the piece, creating a sense of unity and reverence. The harmonies are sparse and dissonant, creating a sense of tension and mystery. The second movement, "O verbum patris," is a setting of a text by Saint Ambrose, which describes Cecilia's vision of an angel who gave her a crown of roses and lilies. The music is more complex than the first movement, with overlapping vocal lines and shifting harmonies. The choir sings in Latin, creating a sense of timelessness and universality. The final movement, "O admirabile commercium," is a setting of a text that describes the mystery of the Incarnation. The music is characterized by a slow, steady pulse and a sense of awe and wonder. The choir sings in a hushed, reverent tone, creating a sense of intimacy and contemplation. Overall, Cecilia, vergine romana is a hauntingly beautiful work that captures the spirit of Saint Cecilia and the power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Pärt's use of simple melodies, sparse harmonies, and repetitive structures creates a sense of timelessness and universality that transcends any particular religious or cultural tradition. The work premiered in 2000 and has since become a beloved part of the choral repertoire.

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