Te Deum in C (Britten)
Te Deum in C | |
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by St Michael's, Cornhill , London | |
Scoring |
The Te Deum in C is a sacred choral composition by Benjamin Britten, a setting of the Te Deum on the English text from the Book of Common Prayer. Britten wrote it between 11 July and 17 September 1934. It is scored for a treble solo, four-part choir (SATB) and organ.
History and versions
Britten dedicated the work: "Written for Maurice Vinden and the Choir of St Mark's, N. Audley St, London". It was first performed in concert at the medieval church of St Michael, Cornhill, London, on 13 November 1935 by the St Michael's Singers and organist George Thalben-Ball, with soprano May Bartlett, conducted by Harold Darke.[1] The work was among Britten's first compositions to be published, by Oxford University Press.[2]
Commissioned by the BBC, Britten orchestrated the work between 14 and 20 January 1936, for harp or piano and string orchestra. This version was first performed in concert at the Mercury Theatre, London, on 27 January 1936 in the Lemare concert series, by the Choir of St Alban the Martyr, Holborn, conducted by Reginald Goodall. Britten played the viola in the unnamed orchestra.[3]
In 1961, Britten composed Jubilate Deo, also in C major, as a companion piece.[1]
Music
The music is in one movement and takes about 9 minutes to perform.
References
- ^ a b c "Te Deum in C". brittenproject.org. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
- ^ Naxos. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
- ^ "Te Deum in C (Orchestral version)". brittenproject.org. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
- ^ a b c Spicer, Paul. "Te Deum in C in Britten Choral Guide with Repertoire Notes by Paul Spicer" (PDF). Boosey & Hawkes. p. 9. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
- ^ a b c d Te Deum in C (PDF). Oxford Church Services. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
External links
- Te Deum in C Britten Thematic Catalogue
- Te Deum in C Allmusic