Lux in Tenebris

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano — The primary text of this piece (“Lux in tenebris lucet”) translates to “the light that shines in the darkness.” Originating from a verse in the Bible (John 1:5), this phrase has been used for centuries as the motto for numerous organizations and schools. In this piece, the meaning of the text is reinforced musically by the soft, driving piano accompaniment in Bb minor and the hushed but confident vocal line. As the text changes to “lucem sequio” (we follow the light), the music shifts suddenly from minor to major and the voice parts break into individual entrances, creating an explosion of polyphony. Yet it is not enough just to follow the light; we must also let our own light shine forth. That is why after a surprising modulation to A major, the women begin singing “let your light shine” while the men repeat “lucem.” The men eventually join with the women, leading to a return of the main, major-key theme and concluding with the positive affirmation that “we will follow the light.”Translation and Pronunciation:Lux in tenebris lucet - The light that shines in the darknessloox een TEH-neh-breeslucem sequio - We follow the lightLOO-chem seh-KOOEE-aw Reinforced by a soft driving piano accompaniment, the inspiring text "we follow the light that shines in the darkness,” is made musically poignant through the hushed but confident vocal line. Accessible, powerful and inspirational for burgeoning mixed ensembles.

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