Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorus

Compose Date

:

1859 - 1863

Average_duration

:

5:41

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Johannes Brahms composed his 'Sacred Choruses (3), Op. 37' in 1865. The work premiered in Bremen, Germany, on November 12, 1865. The three movements of the work are titled "Ich aber bin elend," "Ach, arme Welt," and "Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein." The first movement, "Ich aber bin elend," is a setting of Psalm 73:26. It begins with a somber, mournful melody in the lower voices, which is then taken up by the sopranos. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in unison before breaking into four-part harmony. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective section in which the choir repeats the opening melody. The second movement, "Ach, arme Welt," is a setting of a German hymn text by Johann Heermann. The music is more upbeat than the first movement, with a lively melody and a rhythmic accompaniment. The choir sings in four-part harmony throughout, with occasional sections in which the voices divide into two or three parts. The movement ends with a triumphant final section in which the choir sings in unison. The third movement, "Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein," is a setting of a German hymn text by Martin Luther. The music is more complex than the previous movements, with frequent changes in tempo and meter. The choir sings in four-part harmony throughout, with occasional sections in which the voices divide into two or three parts. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective section in which the choir repeats the opening melody. Overall, Brahms' 'Sacred Choruses (3), Op. 37' is a powerful and moving work that showcases the composer's skill in writing for choir. The music is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and careful attention to text setting. The work remains a popular choice for choirs today, and is considered one of Brahms' most important choral compositions.

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