Composer

:

Alan Hovhaness

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1971

Alan Hovhaness' 'Motets (4) for baritone & chorus, Op. 246' is a collection of four choral pieces that were composed in 1971. The work was premiered on May 7, 1972, by the Seattle Symphony Chorale, with the composer conducting. The four movements of the work are titled 'Alleluia', 'Ave Maria', 'O Gladsome Light', and 'O Lord, Our Governor'. The first movement, 'Alleluia', is a joyful and celebratory piece that features the baritone soloist and the chorus singing in unison. The music is characterized by its use of simple, repetitive melodies and harmonies, which create a sense of unity and togetherness among the performers. The second movement, 'Ave Maria', is a more contemplative and introspective piece that features the baritone soloist singing a prayer to the Virgin Mary. The music is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and a slow, meditative tempo, which create a sense of reverence and solemnity. The third movement, 'O Gladsome Light', is a lively and energetic piece that features the chorus singing a hymn of praise to God. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and complex harmonies, which create a sense of excitement and joy. The final movement, 'O Lord, Our Governor', is a powerful and majestic piece that features the baritone soloist and the chorus singing a prayer for peace and justice. The music is characterized by its use of grand, sweeping melodies and harmonies, which create a sense of awe and reverence. Overall, Hovhaness' 'Motets (4) for baritone & chorus, Op. 246' is a beautiful and moving work that showcases the composer's skill at creating choral music that is both simple and complex, joyful and contemplative, and powerful and majestic.

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