Zum Fest der Heiligen Caecilia (Soli, Chor, Klavier)

for soli, choir (SATB) and piano
(Text: Latin) (Willi Gundlach)

Cecilia is one of the few female saints who play a role in Catholic doctrine. She has been venerated as the patron saint of music since the end of the 15th century. Fanny Hensel’s composition is based on the Mass for St. Caecilia, composed in 856 and celebrated on November 22. This is a decidedly cheerful work with a gentle lyrical opening, an interplay of bass solo and choir in the middle section, a radiantly beautiful part for soprano solo, and a spirited little finale. The chorus part is easy to moderately difficult, and the soloists are variously challenged. The missing passages in the piano were filled in by Diether de la Motte with stylistic confidence and sensitivity.