Casals: Choir - Volume 4 (Clar de lluna, arr. for SATB choir)
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- Composer: Pablo Casals (1876-1973)
- Instrumentation (this edition): SATB Choir
- Originally for: Male Choir
- Work: Clar de lluna (Moonlight) (1896)
- Work Language: Spanish
- ISMN:
- Size: 8.9 x 12.0 inches
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
Work for male voice choir (or mixed choir in this edition, version by Agustín Cohí y Grau) on text by Jaume Ramon y Vidales dated 1896.
The original of this score, of 31 pages, is located at the headquarters of the choral entity La Lira Vendrellense, a Claverian formation to which Casals dedicates the work, as it appears on the cover: «To my friends of La Lira with much affection. [To my friends at La Lira with much affection.] Pau Casals" and in the title of the work itself: "Clar de lluna, coro à 4 veus escrit expressament per la Lira Vendrellense i dedicat à la mateixa per sos autores, música de Pau Casals / lletra de Jaume Ramon" [Moonlight, chorus for 4 voices written expressly for La Lira Vendrellense and dedicated to it by its authors, music by Pau Casals / lyrics by Jaume Ramon.] Although the cover indicates the date 1897, the completion of the score, as would later be customary, the author indicates the date of creation: "96/97 April". The score existing in the Casals Archive indicates "Barcelona, 1896".
The work is conceived as an idyll, a literary genre that typically exhibited a connection to the description of nature and a certain dramatic intent, as Clavé had developed in his compositions. Casals was well acquainted with the musical treatment of this repertoire, since the work employs the expressive resources common to these ensembles, such as the closed mouths of the lower voices to highlight the singing of the higher voices, the simplicity of the melodic development, the harmonic encounters, and the sustained note values. Occasionally, Casals uses passing chromaticisms that add color to the musical discourse but also make the performance more challenging.
Based on the key of in E-flat Major, and 6/8 or 9/8 time signatures that give it a danceable feel, the composition is divided into seven moments that give it a poetic character: Alegretto tranquillo in E-flat Major, Andante in the same key, Allegretto in F Major, Allegro in a modulating passage that ends in D Minor, Largo in G Major, Andante in E-flat Major and, finally, a Viu [Vivo] in the same key.
The lyricist, Jaume Ramon i Vidales (1847-1900), a writer and law graduate, practiced as a notary in Sarral, Montblanc, and El Vendrell. A staunch supporter of the Renaixença, he was one of the founders of Jove Catalunya and strongly influenced Guimerà to write in Catalan; he contributed to La Renaixença, Lo Gay Saber, and La Ilustració Catalana, among other publications, and in 1890 he founded and directed El Vendrellense, where he published the series Vendrell històric, later published in 1933. He also cultivated verse, narrative prose, and popular dramatic literature.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Casals: Choir - Volume 4 (Clar de lluna, arr. for SATB choir)
