D12783C4-57A9-4B25-A565-2DCEB3E04BF0

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IDD12783C4-57A9-4B25-A565-2DCEB3E04BF0
TitlecodeR00580
Title NameCantata de Navidad, Op. 13
Marketing Copy(not set)
InstrumentationSoprano Solo 1.1.1.1: 2.1.0.0.: Timpani.Percussion(1): Strings
Commission(not set)
Dedication(not set)
Program NotesThe Cantata De Navidad was composed in 1945-46. In addition to the soprano soloist, the score calls for a chamber orchestra consisting of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, two horns, trumpet, timpani, triangle, and strings. The composer has described the style of the CANTATA as -. . . predominantly neo-baroque, with features clearly related to Spanish-and particularly Castilian-traditions, highly modal in texture . . .+ In its structure it follows the pattern of the seventeenth-century Italian cantata, where sections of arioso and recitative are freely disposed above ample orchestral development.

The Cantata De Navidad is in four sections or CANTARES (a Spanish word signifying songs, but with the suggestion of folk style). The first CANTAR, -Un angel anunciù a MarÆa+ (An angel brings the tidings to Mary), is a setting of a ROMANCE EVANGâLICO by St.John of the Cross, the great sixteenth-century Spanish mystic. This moderato section tells of God+s summoning Gabriel and sending him to announce to Mary that through Her -the Mystery would come to pass in which the Trinity would be changed from Flesh into Word . . . through which the Son of God became Son of Man.+

The second CANTAR, -Natividad en BelÄn+ (Nativity in Bethlehem), likewise to a text by St. John of the Cross, tells of the Child in the manger; it ends: -Men and angels were singing, but the Christ Child wept and His Mother marveled to see the Son of God weeping the tears of man.+ It is a recitative followed by an allegretto, an allegro, and other changed tempos. The third CANTAR, to a text by Spain+s foremost dramatic poet, Lope FÄlix de Vega Carpio (1562-1635), is entitled -Villancico de la Virgen+ (Carol of the Virgin). Mary addresses the angels, asking them to still the sound of the wind-tossed palms so that the Child can sleep. These words were also set by Brahms in his Opus 91 as one of two songs for contralto with viola obligato. The fourth CANTAR-again to a text by St. John-is a Gloria. It begins with a recitative marked lento, moves into an allegro, and again sensitively follows the lead of the text in further tempo shifts. The Son addresses the Father: -I will show to the world Thy goodness, Thy power, Thy great wisdom, Thy great justice. I go forth to tell the world of Thy beauty . . . -

-this note provided by JO-S with no author attributed (2/1/99)
Title Brand2
Year Composed1946
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration19
Ensemble Size13
Date Created2008-10-31 20:31:36.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:31:36
Inhouse Note(not set)
Bsc Code(not set)
Text AuthorTexts by St. John of the Cross and Lope de Vega.
Premier Performance Memo-Lisa Deis, sop. Hoboken Chamber Orchestra/ Gary Schneider. 16, 19 Dec 90.
Recording Credits(not set)
Review(not set)
Awards(not set)
Title Category7
Title Movements(not set)
Title Grade(not set)
Set Series ID(not set)
Title Instrument Category TextFull Orchestra
Title Sub Category Text(not set)
Title Sub Category94
Title Instrument Header41
Title Grade Text(not set)
Clean Urlcantata-de-navidad-op-13-r00580