Composer

:

Johann Christian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

December, 1759

Publication Date

:

1987

First Performance

:

March 19, 1760

Average_duration

:

24:17

Johann Christian Bach's 'Confitebor (Psalm 110)', CW E16 (T. 202/1) is a sacred choral work composed in the late 18th century. The piece was likely composed in the 1770s or 1780s, during Bach's tenure as music director at the court of the Elector of Mainz in Germany. The work is scored for four-part choir, soloists, and orchestra. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a choral setting of the Latin text of Psalm 110, "Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo" ("I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart"). The movement begins with a lively orchestral introduction, featuring a sprightly melody in the strings. The choir enters with a joyful, celebratory setting of the text, with the soloists taking turns singing the verses. The movement is characterized by its energetic rhythms, bright harmonies, and joyful mood. The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto soloists, set to the text "Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto" ("Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit"). The duet is accompanied by a gentle, flowing orchestral accompaniment, featuring delicate melodies in the strings and woodwinds. The soloists sing in a gentle, lyrical style, with a sense of reverence and awe. The final movement is a choral setting of the text "Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum" ("As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end"). The movement begins with a solemn orchestral introduction, featuring a slow, stately melody in the strings. The choir enters with a majestic setting of the text, with the soloists singing in a rich, full-bodied style. The movement is characterized by its grandeur, with rich harmonies and powerful rhythms. Overall, 'Confitebor (Psalm 110)', CW E16 (T. 202/1) is a joyful and celebratory work, characterized by its lively rhythms, bright harmonies, and sense of reverence. The piece showcases Bach's skill as a composer of sacred music, and remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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