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Sancta Civitas

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description Sancta Civitas Overview

Sancta Civitas is an oratorio by Ralph Vaughan Williams, composed between 1923 and 1925. The work draws its text exclusively from the Book of Revelation and features soloists, mixed chorus, semi-chorus, and orchestra. It is the only major choral work by the composer that uses a biblical subject. The music is noted for its dramatic intensity, depicting apocalyptic visions such as the New Jerusalem descending from heaven.

help Sancta Civitas FAQ

What text does Sancta Civitas set?

Ralph Vaughan Williams draws the text exclusively from the Book of Revelation. The title is Latin for "Holy City," matching the work's apocalyptic subject.

When did Vaughan Williams compose Sancta Civitas?

He composed it between 1923 and 1925. The work is one of his major large-scale choral compositions.

What performers are required for Sancta Civitas?

The score calls for soloists, a mixed chorus, a semi-chorus, and orchestra. The separate semi-chorus helps create contrasting layers of sound within the Revelation text.

How is Sancta Civitas different from a conventional church anthem?

It is a substantial concert oratorio-like work with soloists, multiple choral groups, and orchestra. Its text comes entirely from Revelation rather than from a short standalone hymn or prayer.

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