Composer

:

Richard Toensing

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2007

Average_duration

:

38:54

"Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ" is a choral work composed by Richard Toensing in 1987. It premiered on December 20, 1987, at the St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the Nativity story. The first movement, "The Annunciation," is a setting of the text from Luke 1:26-38, in which the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear a son. The music is characterized by a sense of wonder and awe, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. The second movement, "The Nativity," is a setting of the text from Luke 2:1-20, in which Jesus is born in a manger in Bethlehem. The music is more subdued than the first movement, with a sense of quiet reverence and intimacy. The choir sings in a gentle, almost lullaby-like style, with occasional bursts of joy and exultation. The final movement, "The Epiphany," is a setting of the text from Matthew 2:1-12, in which the wise men come to worship the newborn Jesus. The music is characterized by a sense of grandeur and majesty, with powerful choral passages and intricate harmonies. The piece ends with a triumphant Alleluia, as the choir proclaims the glory of the newborn King. Overall, "Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ" is a beautiful and moving work that captures the essence of the Christmas story. Toensing's use of rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate choral textures creates a sense of wonder and awe that is perfectly suited to the Nativity story.

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