Composer

:

Joaquín Rodrigo

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

22:57

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

"Retablo de Navidad" is a Christmas cantata composed by Joaquín Rodrigo, a Spanish composer, in 1952. The piece was premiered on December 19, 1952, in Madrid, Spain, by the Spanish National Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Ataúlfo Argenta. The cantata consists of nine movements, each depicting a different scene from the Nativity story. The first movement, "Prelude," sets the tone for the piece with a gentle, flowing melody played by the orchestra. The second movement, "Annunciation," features a solo soprano singing the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary. The third movement, "The Journey to Bethlehem," is a lively and rhythmic piece that depicts the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The fourth movement, "The Shepherds," is a pastoral piece that features a solo oboe and choir singing the words of the shepherds who were visited by the angels. The fifth movement, "The Manger," is a gentle and peaceful piece that depicts the birth of Jesus in the manger. The sixth movement, "The Three Kings," is a majestic and regal piece that features a solo tenor singing the words of the three kings who came to visit Jesus. The seventh movement, "The Flight into Egypt," is a somber and reflective piece that depicts the flight of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod. The eighth movement, "The Return from Egypt," is a joyful and celebratory piece that depicts the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth. The final movement, "Epilogue," brings the piece to a close with a reprise of the "Prelude" melody. "Retablo de Navidad" is characterized by Rodrigo's use of Spanish folk melodies and rhythms, as well as his skillful orchestration and choral writing. The piece is a beautiful and moving depiction of the Nativity story, and has become a beloved Christmas classic in Spain and around the world.

More....