Te Deum laudamus : an original composition for men and boys choir and organ
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Abstract
Te Deum Laudamus is a setting of an ancient Latin Christian hymn presented in its seventeenth-century English translation and scored for six-part choir and organ. It is comprised of three movements in contrasting styles. Each movement includes a number of short sections, each of which presents a theme. The connection of the sections in their order forms a dialogue. Instrumental and choral parts both carry significant importance. Elements of style include chant, homophonic textures at moderate tempi, imitative polyphony in sixteenth- and eighteenth-century styles, and sections with long, sustained melody and harmony. Much of the piece is centered on the synthetic octatonic scale in the key of B. Other modes and tonal materials including references to late-nineteenth century music and the modal harmony the Renaissance are also used. The result is the amalgamation of elements to form a unique work of music.