description Hymnus Paradisi Overview
Hymnus Paradisi is a choral work by English composer Herbert Howells, first performed publicly at the 1950 Three Choirs Festival. Howells composed the piece privately in 1938 following the death of his nine-year-old son from polio, initially intending it for personal use. The work functions as a requiem, blending Latin liturgical texts with English passages. It is widely regarded as one of Howells's most significant and emotionally profound compositions.
help Hymnus Paradisi FAQ
Who composed Hymnus Paradisi?
Hymnus Paradisi was composed by the English composer Herbert Howells. It was written privately in 1938 after the death of his nine-year-old son Michael from polio.
When was Hymnus Paradisi first performed publicly?
The work received its first public performance at the 1950 Three Choirs Festival. Howells had kept it private for years because of its deeply personal origin.
Why did Herbert Howells write Hymnus Paradisi?
He wrote it as a response to the death of his son, initially intending the music for personal use rather than public performance. The result is a large choral expression of grief, prayer, and hope.
What type of composition is Hymnus Paradisi?
It is a substantial choral work for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra. Its text and musical design place it between a requiem-like memorial and a personal Christian meditation.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
