Saint Nicolas (Britten)

Saint Nicholas (also Saint Nicholas Cantata, Eng. Saint Nicolas Cantata ) is a cantata by the British composer Benjamin Britten from the year 1948. Cantata for mixed chorus, tenor solo, piano, strings, percussion and organ and a small children's choir composed and describes the life of Bishop Nicholas of Myra.

Formation

The cantata was created in 1948 for a school ceremony at Lancing College, Lancing, Sussex. The funds that were available Britten, also determined occupation and structure of the work. There are an amateur orchestra and mixed choir as a four-part choir students were employed; the orchestra was, however, supported by five professional musicians. The premiere took place on co-founded by Britten Aldeburgh Festival in June 1948; as official premiere but applies the performance in the " Lancing College Chapel " at its centenary on 24 July 1948.

Work

Britten described his composition as a cantata, although it has clear traits of an oratorio. It alternate recitative arioso sections and parts which are, in turn, subdivided with choral scenes and hymns that are sung by the listening community.

Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children, sailors and travelers, as well as the city Lancing - which was certainly relevant to the choice of material Britten - Britten is drawn by a strong personality. The text comes from librettist Eric Crozier, who worked for several years with Britten. There is a published German translation by Renate Frank - Aschoff. The English version comes frequently to the performance than the German. The performance of the work lasts about 1 hour.

The cantata is divided into the following nine sections:

I. Introduction

The introduction has the character of a mystical evocation of Nicholas. Homophones Choir points alternate with tenor solos.

II The Birth of Nicholas

The second part is about the birth of Nicholas and the welcome greetings of the people and of nature. In addition to the orchestral accompaniment only sing the soprano and alto voices of the choir and the young Nicholas, whose vocal part is taken over by a boy. At the end of the solo tenor enters and sings the previously sung by boys' line in his voice.

III. Nicholas dedicates his life to God

The third part consists of the vow of Nicholas, his life to consecrate and dedicate to God. The choir is silent in this part.

IV He travels to Palestine

The journey of Nicholas to Palestine is a naturalistic painting of when the pianos represented by the constant ups and downs in their score a wave motion or the dipping into the water rudder. The emergence of the storm and the waning winds are clearly expressed. In this first part is the small children's choir in the gallery for use; from the choir sing only the male voices.

V. Nicolas comes to Myra and is chosen Bishop

Nicholas ' arrival in Myra and his election as Bishop is first represented by homophonic choral accompanied by the organ in alternation with the choir gallery. On the homophony followed by a fugue of the chorus, which in a solemn chant, which is sung by the congregation, opens.

VI. Nicholas ' story from prison

The sixth part deals with the persecution of Christians and Nicholas ' years in captivity. Also in this part of the silent chorus.

VII Nicholas raises three boys back to life

The seventh section begins with the desperate search for the Myraner after three boys named John, Tim and Mark. Then Nicholas finds the dead children and brought them back to life. The section ends with the Hallelujah song of the three boys, the choir gallery and the entire choir.

VIII His piety and his wonderful works

According to the exemplary miracle follows in the eighth part of the thanks and praise which, where Nicholas helped in time of need. More of his deeds will be dealt with in short sections.

IX. Death of Nicholas

After the last words of Nicholas the choir sings in unison ( unanimity) his departure to the afterlife. It is still the end of the Our ​​Father prayer and the closing of the 100th psalm sung before the final chorale cantata ends the ceremony.

• Cantata
• Work of Benjamin Britten
• Nicholas of Myra
• Choral works from the 20th century