Burning Sled

Duration: 15 minutes. Text: 'Laudate Deum, Laudate Deum. Aleluia. Amen.' This music should be used as the choral part for all versions of this work. Joyful Music begins with a lengthy two piano introduction, in which are heard the work's two main ideas: a lively and offbeat triplet theme. A stretto passage closes this introduction, and the mezzo-soprano enters above a rhythmically active background. The text is a simple expression of joy drawn from the Psalms of the Latin Bible: Laudate Deum; laudate eum ('Praise God; praise him'). The solo voice begins with a forceful invocation of this text, but continues in a more intimate style in introducing the lyrical main theme. When the chorus enters, it picks up this lyrical theme in a simple canon between women and men, sung above a sustained pedal point in the strings. The counterpoint becomes increasingly complex, with the soprano's lines arching above those of the chorus. In a sudden change of character, the men's voices introduce the lively music of the introduction. The mood becomes increasingly elated until a climactic Aleluia. A second orchestral passage begins. After this interlude creates a more subdued mood, a quartet of voices sings hushed but intense Aleluias beneath the soprano's more flowing phrases. Again, the chorus and pianos build toward a climax; a feeling of exaltation remains until the work's closing Amen.Learn more>>>