Composer

:

Ola Gjeilo

Compose Date

:

2010

Average_duration

:

5:56

'Evening Prayer' is a choral work composed by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo. The piece was composed in 2010 and premiered in the same year by the Phoenix Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy. The work is divided into three movements and is approximately 12 minutes in length. The first movement, titled 'Ubi Caritas', is a setting of the Latin hymn of the same name. The movement begins with a simple melody sung by the sopranos, which is then passed on to the other voices. The harmonies are lush and warm, creating a sense of comfort and peace. The movement builds to a climax before returning to the simple melody with which it began. The second movement, 'The City', is a setting of a poem by Sara Teasdale. The movement is more rhythmic and energetic than the first, with a driving piano accompaniment and syncopated rhythms in the voices. The text speaks of the beauty of the city at night, with its lights and sounds. The movement ends with a sense of wonder and awe. The final movement, 'Evening Prayer', is a setting of a text by Mother Teresa. The movement is slow and contemplative, with a simple melody sung by the sopranos. The harmonies are rich and complex, creating a sense of depth and emotion. The text speaks of the need for peace and love in the world, and the movement ends with a sense of hope and tranquility. Overall, 'Evening Prayer' is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Gjeilo's skill as a composer. The harmonies are lush and warm, and the melodies are simple yet effective. The work is a testament to the power of choral music to evoke emotion and create a sense of peace and tranquility.

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