SKU: HL.49045940

Artfully combining the old with the new - that is one of the hallmarks of Alwin M. Schronen. That this versatile balancing actor andbearer of numerous compositional prizes succeeds in mastering this artistic balancing act, he proves once again in his sacred choralcomposition Hodie Christus natus est. This Latin-speaking work for 8-part mixed choir a cappella (SSAATTBB) is based on the antiphonto the Magnificat of the Christmas Vespers. Schronen opens his Christmas song with the literal intonation of the traditional Gregorian melody. After this beginning, alternating between male and female voices, the composer lets the entire choir join in the jubilation of thanks for the birth of Jesus. He manages to lift the listener with his very own musical language in other heavenly realms. A wonderful, but at the same time vocally demanding piece of music, which is equally suitable for the use of church music asit is for concert use.

SKU: CA.7070110

ISBN 9790007252274. German/English. Text: Meyer, Conrad Ferdinand.

“Friede auf Erden” op. 13 is regarded as Arnold Schoenberg’s last tonal composition and is one of the few choral works of the Second Viennese School. On the same day that he completed his op. 13, Schoenberg made the first sketches for his 2nd String Quartet, a key work in atonal music. Although Schoenberg later orchestrated “Friede auf Erden”, he intended the piece to be performed unaccompanied.
To help rehearsing the work, this choral score contains the piano transcription made by Anton Webern for use in rehearsals for the planned first performance. The text for op. 13 is a secular Christmas poem by Conrad Ferdinand Meyer. At the time of its composition (1907), Schoenberg thought the vision of a “reine Harmonie unter Menschen” (pure harmony amongst people) described in the poem was conceivable, but he later distanced himself from this idea. What remained is a composition of great artistic power and depth – a real showpiece for ambitious choirs!. Score available separately - see item CA.7070100.