Hymnus IV

SKU: CY.CC3139

ISBN 9790530111079. 8.5 x 11 in inches.

Hymnus, Op 57 is a piece first composed for 12 cellos by Julius Klengel and first published in 1920. Klengel was one of the most important German cellists and pedagogues of the German Romantic period. Hymnus is a lush, chordal and spiritual work composed in memory of the great conductor Artur Nikisch. It has been beautifully arranged for 12-part Trombone Choir by Brian Conklin. This 6 minute work is appropriate for advanced performers.

SKU: BT.GOB-000264-120

Hymnus was commissioned by the Wilhelmina Easterein Fanfare Orchestra in the Autumn of 1999 for their performance at the World Music Contest, Kerkrade.

The commission was the result of a collaboration between the composer and the thenmusical director, Marten van der Wal.

The exact meaning of the word Hymnus is not known but it is taken in this presentation to mean hymn or hymn-like.
The melodic material is organic and grows from an initial unison tone. Thisinterval is gradually expanded to form the cell F E C F, a semitone, third, fifth. The only other melodic motif is the ascending three-note pattern spanning a major third. This is the second of his compositions to use this ascending motif, theother being Fanfare for a Bright New Age for Brass Band and Organ, also of 2000. These characteristic intervals appear in many contrasting moods and guises throughout the piece.

The opening unison notes are intended to convey as sense ofpower and magnificence, like the first sounds at the dawning of the universe.
After the immense power, a period of stunned silence and reverence. The evolution of the hymn melody incorporates a variety of moods and atmospheres, sometimes expressing much joy and celebration whilst also suggesting periods of intense savagery or prayerful contemplation.
The hymn builds as the piece progresses and is finally stated in its complete form at letter W.

The official worldpremiere of the work was given by Wilhelmina Easterein at the World Music Contest 2001. Whilst the composer was unable to attend in person, he was able to enjoy the premier simultaneously transmitted via a mobile phone from the audience!

Conductors Note
The tempo indications are to be viewed as a guide rather than a literal instruction. Within the music there is an innate sense of pulse and metre, lending itself to considerable rubato.
Melody is king, and all else is mere support and decoration, careful attention must therefore be given to balance.

SKU: CA.7005909

ISBN 9790007228477. Key: C major. Language: German.

Score available separately - see item CA.7005900.

SKU: IS.BCE7278EM

ISBN 9790365072781.

Julius Klengel (1859 - 1933) was a German cellist who is most well-known for his compositions for his own instrument, most notably a large output of works for multiple cellos. After joining the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra at the age of 15, he became the principal cellist for the group in 1881 at the age of 22. The largest cello ensemble he composed was his Hymnus, Op. 57, for twelve cellos. In crafting this arrangement for twelve low clarinets, unfortunately, it was not as simple as just transposing the parts into the bass clarinet key. Ultimately, the decision was made to transpose the work from G major to B-flat major, in order to better suit the ranges of the instrument. Also, the addition of the two contra clarinets allowed the accommodation of this transposition, as well as giving some flexibility in regards to shifting some phrases amongst the parts.

SKU: CA.4607505

ISBN 9790007222543. Language: German.

Score available separately - see item CA.4607500.

SKU: CA.9131900

ISBN 9790007121761. Language: German.

SKU: HL.49007918

ISBN 9790001084680. 8.25x11.75x1.57 inches.

Premiered in 1992 at Donaueschingen, the 'Sinfonie X' with more than 2 hours duration could be considered an 'Opus terminum'. The movements which can be performed individually are like an historical digest in homage to composers of the 20th century. The piano concerto movement 'Hymnus' for example obviously refers to Oliver Messiaen. But 'Sinfonie X' is far more than just the sum of its parts, the vast scope of the symphony as generic form can be felt in the musique concrete of the 'Stille' sections and in some of the other movements, it's like the design for an Utopia, for a new 'Song of the Earth'.