Work Overview
A Solis Ortus was written for the Cathedral Voices at the request of their
director, Elizabeth Swain, for performance in the Crypt at St
Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, in December 2006. It is a combination
of a modified form of the plainchant hymn Veni
Redemptor, with an English translation of A Solis
Ortus. Both hymns have their place in the Offices for
Christmas Day. This piece therefore has the character of a
carol.
The hymn-melody receives different treatment in each verse.
Direct canon at the unison in the first three verses builds up to
the fourth verse, which enshrines the moment of Incarnation,
highlighted here by the addition of a descant. The remaining
verses, underpinned and permeated by repeated alleluias in the
lowest part, move from canon at the fourth above, through the
alleluia commentary of the angels (usually in descending
figures), and towards increasing polyphonic independence across
all four parts. Throughout the piece, the hemiola-like alleluia
refrain forms brackets around the verses. The doxology of the
last verse is peppered with false relations, pointing to an
ecstatic anguish of joy: God is made human, Emmanuel, taking into
Godself the paradox of human nature with its joys and
sorrows.
Work Details
Year: 2006
Instrumentation: Unaccompanied SSAA choir.
Duration: 4 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Commission note: Commissioned by Rev. Dr Arthur Bridge.. Composed for the St Mary's Cathedral Voices (Sydney) directed by Elizabeth Swain
First performance: by Cathedral Voices (St Mary's, Sydney) — 17 Dec 06. The Crypt, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney
Subjects
- In the form/style of: Carols
- In the form/style of: Spiritual and Sacred Music
Performances of this work
17 Dec 06: The Crypt, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney. Featuring Cathedral Voices (St Mary's, Sydney).
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