Te Deum
1858
As an acclaimed opera composer, Georges Bizet admitted that he had no real sensibility for sacred music. His Te Deum is nonetheless a truly fascinating and highly expressive work. From the majestic “Te Deum laudamus”, to the skillful choral fugue of “Fiat misericordia tua”, and the opening’s powerful recapitulation, the composition shows no trace of the difficulties that beset the young Bizet by his own admission before he finally completed the work in 1858.
In the extensive trilingual preface to this Urtext edition, editor Marc Rigaudière illuminates the circumstances surrounding the composition of the Te Deum, a work which occupies a singular position in Bizet’s œuvre. The edition is based on the composer’s autograph score — the work’s only surviving source.
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Composer
Georges Bizet
| 1838-1875Georges Bizet (1838-1875) achieved one of the greatest successes in the history of the genre with his opera Carmen (1875). Although it was not particularly well received by audiences at first, contemporary composers such as Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Brahms recognised the qualities of the work, which was later reflected in its popularity. Today, the opera is one of the most popular in the repertoire. However, contemporary composers such as Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Brahms recognised the qualities of the work, which was later reflected in its popularity – today, the opera is one of the most performed worldwide. Apart from this opera, Bizet composed several other works despite his short life, including many songs, piano music and sacred music. Personal details