"Echo"
Orlando di lasso
One of the most striking works for the choir is the Echo of Orlando di Lasso, written on his own texts.
The choir is written in the form of a canon, and contains two homophonic-harmonic layers - this is the main choir and ensemble of soloists, with the help of which the composer achieves an echo effect. The chorus sings in loud dynamics, and the soloists repeat the endings of the phrases on the piano, thus creating a very colorful and vivid image. Short phrases have different intonations - imperative, interrogative, and even pleading, as well as sound fading at the end of the work is very expressively shown.
Despite the fact that this work was written many centuries ago, music implicitly conquers the modern listener with its freshness and lightness.
The cycle "Four Choirs to Poems by A. Tvardovsky" by R. Shchedrin
The cycle "Four Choirs to Poems by A. Tvardovsky" by R. Shchedrin is special. It addresses a very painful topic for many. The chorus is written in verses about the Great Patriotic War, it reveals the themes of grief and sorrow, heroism and patriotism, as well as national respect and pride. The author himself dedicated this work to his brother, who did not return from the war.
The cycle consists of four parts - four choirs:
- The first chorus "How dear friend" is a prologue and has a severe and narrative character.
- The second - "The War Past" is permeated with pain about irretrievable losses, lyrical thoughts about the grave consequences of the war.
- The third chorus "I am killed near Rzhev" - the story of a soldier who died in battle carries a dramatic character.
- Fourth - "You Fallen" can be called a hymn, it is imbued with solemnity and deep reverence for the heroes of the war.
P. Tchaikovsky
"The golden cloud spent the night"
Another well-known work for the choir is P. Tchaikovsky's miniature "A Golden Cloud Slept," written by M. Lermontov's "Rock" by M. Lermontov. The composer intentionally used not the name of the verse, but the first line, which changed the meaning and the central image.
Tchaikovsky very skillfully in such a miniature work with the help of harmonies and dynamics shows different images and states. Using the choral presentation, the author singles out the role of the narrator to the choir. There are states of light sadness, sadness, thoughtfulness, and contemplation. In such a seemingly short and simple piece there is a very deep meaning that only a thin and refined listener can grasp.
"Cherubic Hymn"
V. Kallinikova
"Cherubic" by V. Kallinikov can be found in the repertoire of many professional choirs and parochial ones. This happens for the reason that everyone who hears this chorus cannot remain indifferent, since it is so enchanting from the first chords with its beauty and depth.
The Cherubic is part of the Orthodox Liturgy, and is very important, since from that moment only baptized Christians can be present at the divine service.
This work for the choir is universal in that it can be performed as part of the Divine Liturgy, as well as an independent concert work, in both cases conquering the worshipers and listeners. The chorus is filled with some sublime beauty, simplicity and ease, there is a desire to listen to him many times, constantly finding something new in this music.
"All-Night Vigil"
S. Rachmaninov
Rachmaninov’s “All-Night Vigil” can be considered a masterpiece of Russian choral music. Written in 1915 on the basis of church everyday chants.
The All-Night Vigil is an Orthodox divine service, which, subject to the observance of the church ordinance, should continue from evening until dawn.
Although the composer took everyday melodies as a basis, this music cannot be performed in the service. Because it is large-scale and pretentious. Listening to the work, it is very difficult to maintain the state of prayer. Music causes admiration, delight and enters into some kind of unearthly state. Unexpected harmonic turns create a kaleidoscope effect, constantly opening new colors. This unusual music should be passed through by every person who lives on this planet.
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