The oratorio's structure follows the vowel sequence I-E-O-U-A, moving from a bright 'I' to a dark 'U' and ending with an open 'A', mirroring a musical process of incarnation within the body.
Compositional Technique
Each vowel in the oratorio is associated with a specific percussion instrument: vibraphone for I, marimba for E, gong for O, drum for U, and tubular bells for A.
Performer Biography
The Harvestehuder Kammerchor, founded in 1980 by Claus Bantzer, has an outstanding international reputation and has collaborated with Helge Burggrabe on the premieres of his oratorios Stella Maris and Jehoschua.
Composition History
Helge Burggrabe's oratorio Stella Maris premiered in 2006 at the 1000-year celebration of Chartres Cathedral and was filmed by NDR/Arte.
Composer Biography
Helge Burggrabe, the composer, is known for his innovative composition and concert projects, particularly his interest in connecting music with sacred architecture and other art forms.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Helge Burggrabe's oratorio, Jehoschua, is based on the vowels I-E-O-U-A from the Hebrew name Jehoschua (Jesus), which represent the incarnation of God and the humanization of man.
Compositional Technique
The oratorio features a ritualistic structure, opening and closing with a gong, and containing five chapters with similar ritualistic builds, each concluding with a varied chorale movement.
You might also enjoy...
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 14
Hasse - I Pellegrini al Sepolcro di Nostro Signore
