Composer

:

Bernard Foccroulle

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

2012

Average_duration

:

8:04

"Nigra sum" is a choral work composed by Bernard Foccroulle in 1997. It premiered on September 6, 1997, at the Saintes Festival in France, performed by the vocal ensemble "Graindelavoix" under the direction of Björn Schmelzer. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text from the Song of Songs. The first movement, "Nigra sum," is a setting of the text "I am black but beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem." The second movement, "Veni dilecte mi," is based on the text "Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the fields." The final movement, "Surge propera amica mea," is a setting of the text "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." The piece is characterized by its use of medieval and Renaissance musical techniques, including modal harmonies and melodic ornamentation. The vocal writing is highly expressive, with the voices often weaving in and out of each other in intricate counterpoint. The use of percussion instruments, including a frame drum and a tambourine, adds a rhythmic energy to the piece. Overall, "Nigra sum" is a hauntingly beautiful work that combines ancient and modern musical elements to create a unique and powerful expression of the human spirit.

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