Declamation

SKU: CA.4000405

ISBN 9790007057374. Key: E minor. Language: Latin/English.

The Credo belongs to that large group of church works which Vivaldi composed in Venice between 1713 and 1717 for the Ospedale della Pieta, then his primary place of employment. The composition, conceived solely for choir and strings, is characterized by a two-layered formal design: a continuous, basic motivic idea, i.e., a constant rhythmic impulse with rapid tone repetition builds an instrumental layer, while on the other hand the writing for choir renders the text in a blocklike structure in chordal declamation. This structure will only be abandoned briefly in the concluding section of work, where the text Et vitam venturi saeculi is embedded in a concise fugue. Score available separately - see item CA.4000400.

SKU: BT.EMBZ8377

English-German-Hungarian.

The idea of composing 'Games' was suggested by children playing spontaneously, children for whom the piano still means a toy. They experiment with it, caress it, attack it and run their fingers over it. They pile up seemingly disconnected sounds, and if this happens to arouse their musical instinct they look consciously for some of the harmonies found by chance and keep repeating them. Thus this series does not provide a tutor, nor does it simply stand as a collection of pieces. It is a possibility for experimenting and not for learning to play the piano.Pleasure in playing, the joy of movement - daring and if need be fast movement over the entire keyboard right from the firstlessons instead of clumsy groping for keys and the counting of rhythms - all these rather vague ideas lay at the outset of the creation of this collection. Playing - is just playing. It requires a great deal of freedom and initiative from the performer. On no account should the written image be taken seriously but the written image must be taken extremely seriously as regards the musical process, the quality of sound and silence. We should trust the picture of the printed notes and let is exert its influence upon us. The graphic picture conveys an idea about the arrangement in time of even the most free pieces. We should make use of all that we know and remember of free declamation, folk-music parlando-rubato, of Gregorian chant and of all that improvisational musical practice has ever brought forth.Let us tackle bravely even the most difficult task without being afraid of making mistakes: we should try to create valid proportions, unity and continuity out of the long and short values - just for our own pleasure! (BMC CD 139).

SKU: MN.10-438

UPC: 688670104381.

The partita is in five movements, each based on a text verse which is quoted before the movement. The first movement, smooth and flowing, depicts starlight, everlasting light, and a call to Christ. The second movement pastorale takes its cue from the text ...not as a monarch, but the child of Mary... and quotes GREENSLEEVES. The third movement is a firm declamation, At your great name...all knees must bend. The fourth movement is strong and dramatic with chromatic flourishes painting the text, ...holy might...defend us...from all assaults. The final movement is a fiery toccata over a pedal melody.

SKU: CA.4000413

ISBN 9790007057404. Key: E minor. Language: Latin/English.

The Credo belongs to that large group of church works which Vivaldi composed in Venice between 1713 and 1717 for the Ospedale della Pieta, then his primary place of employment. The composition, conceived solely for choir and strings, is characterized by a two-layered formal design: a continuous, basic motivic idea, i.e., a constant rhythmic impulse with rapid tone repetition builds an instrumental layer, while on the other hand the writing for choir renders the text in a blocklike structure in chordal declamation. This structure will only be abandoned briefly in the concluding section of work, where the text Et vitam venturi saeculi is embedded in a concise fugue. Score and part available separately - see item CA.4000400.

SKU: MN.80-325

UPC: 688670803253. English.

The text is from The Book of Common Prayer, the music is original. A melismatic chant-like opening builds steadily to a dramatic declamation of the text Therefore let us keep the feast. Then the chant line continues softly in the accompaniment as the final alleluias are sung. The organ accompaniment is quite sufficient but can be augmented with Brass Quintet. From Mass of the Resurrection (ECS 8325).

SKU: CA.966300

ISBN 9790007167684. Language: Latin.

Matsushita has conceived his setting of the Pentecost sequence entirely in the Renaissance polychoral tradition. He employs the full choir (within individual choirs divisi passages also occasionally occur) solely for magnificent sounding climaxes at conclusions, prior to these occurrences he repeatedly combines groups of voices or he allows individual choirs to sing, effectively, in alternation. This type of reduction is even carried over to quasi Gregorian passages sung by one voice in unison. The piece is tonal throughout, with occasional diatonic seasoning. The consistently homophonic setting is oriented towards the declamation of the Latin text. Melodically it is in the style of modal, Gregorian structures, without quoting the well-known sequence. A fast, rhythmically syncopated declamatory section introduces, the dramaturgically appropriate climax to the solemn conclusion, which, molto legato, returns once again with large upward swings to the text of the first strophe. Matsushita writes in a comfortable vocal range so that the work can be sung, at the same time, in both a relaxed and grandiose manner. For large choirs, even for oratorio choirs with only limited experience in a cappella singing, this piece is aptly suited for performance and the music is both grateful and brings much joy for singers.

SKU: CA.964200

ISBN 9790007143510. Text language: Latin.

Matsushita's composition draws on elements of the Gregorian antiphon. It begins in unison Gregorian chant, as was typical of Renaissance motets, and the beginning of new lines of text are also derived from Gregorian material. Matsushita juxtaposes a syllabic, rhythmic declamation with this melody, constantly alternating bars with even and odd numbers of beats, the octave C' - C'' constantly repeated by the outer parts and leading towards the climax at the text nomen Jesu. After ascending D major arpeggios, the central word Jesu radiates into F sharp major, the following repetition in the compass of an octave on C is more tranquil, ending peacefully with an F major chord, ppp.