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Duration 10:00 |
jacob de Haan |
Grade 3 |
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Demo 1: 
Demo 2:
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| Jubilate! is a work inspired by the ecclesiastical history of Waldkirch, a town in Germany, near the Swiss border. The title expresses the primarily festive character of the composition, and especially refers to the joyful ending. The main theme is based on the Gregorian chant “Viderunt omnes. This theme opens the piece in a festive character. Then, the music becomes fluid as Irish and Scottish monks from Rheinau Island (in Switzerland) travel downstream on the Rhine (to Germany) and arrive at what is now the town of Waldkirch. The monks begin to clear the forest. They immediately start building a small, wooden church; Waldkirch slowly begins to take shape. The Gregorian chant can be heard over the blows of hammers and the crunch of shovels as the monks diligently work on their new homestead. The work gives way to a chorale-like passage, followed by a lyrical theme and gently sounding bells. The church is finally complete! A celebratory mass to mark the special occasion is held. But then tension and drama start to creep into the music. The Brandglocken (bells rung in case of fire) can be heard throughout the town! The first church burns down (around 1000AD), the bell tower collapses (around 1550), and yet another devastating fire takes place (1637). Despite these misfortunes, the community picks itself up every time and rebuilds. The music flourishes along with the community and turns into another festive march based on the Gregorian chant, leading to the lyrical theme, this time joined by all the bells in the belfry: JUBILATE! |
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