Die Seligkeiten

When Peter Cornelius (1824–1874), the musically and literarily talented and versatile artist, went to Weimar in 1852 to pursue further studies with Franz Liszt, the latter advised him to 'throw himself into writing sacred music with a will'. He heeded his advice and thereupon wrote a series of liturgical and religious pieces for men's choir as well as the song cycle 'Vater unser'. 'Die Seligkeiten' for a cappella men's choir was sketched by Cornelius in June 1852 with numerous other evidently unfinished works after his encounter with Liszt. The text is a free adaptation of the Beatitudes from the Gospel according to St Matthew. Set chordally and homophonically throughout, the choral work captivates people with its simplicity and expressiveness.