Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

17:20

Die Natali, Op. 37 is a Christmas cantata composed by Samuel Barber in 1960. The piece was commissioned by the Koussevitzky Music Foundation and premiered on December 18, 1960, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New England Conservatory Chorus, conducted by Erich Leinsdorf. The cantata consists of four movements, each based on a different Christmas carol. The first movement, "Prologue," is a short instrumental introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The second movement, "Chorale Prelude on 'Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her'," is a setting of the traditional German carol, which Barber arranged for orchestra and chorus. The movement begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the strings, which is then taken up by the chorus. The music gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful climax before subsiding into a peaceful coda. The third movement, "Aria on 'In dulci jubilo'," is a solo for soprano and orchestra. The music is based on the traditional German carol, which Barber sets in a lilting, dance-like rhythm. The soprano sings the melody with great tenderness and warmth, while the orchestra provides a delicate accompaniment. The final movement, "Chorale Prelude on 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme'," is a setting of the traditional German carol, which Barber arranged for orchestra and chorus. The movement begins with a solemn, majestic melody in the brass, which is then taken up by the chorus. The music gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a triumphant climax before subsiding into a peaceful coda. Overall, Die Natali, Op. 37 is a beautiful and moving work that captures the spirit of Christmas with its rich harmonies, lush orchestration, and heartfelt melodies. Barber's skillful use of traditional carols gives the piece a timeless quality, while his unique musical voice shines through in every note.

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