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PRELUDE AND CHORALE ON SVATÝ VÁCLAVE by Václav Nelhýbel (1919-1996) is based on the 12th century Czech chant to St. Wenceslas, Patron. A majestic work well-crafted! Clarinet and Piano (Organ). Grade: 3 Duration: 2:48 Adapted for all wind and string instrumental solos plus marimba and bells' solo.
Editor's Notes are in the Resources tab.
Prelude and Chorale on Svatý Vaclave (505-11_Bb_CLARINET:BASS_CLNT_SC.pdf, 112 Kb) [Download]
Editor's Note
As with many of his compositions, Nelhybel often employed thematic material from his musical heritage and native land. This work for solo instrument and keyboard, organ and trombone or euphonium is a prelude on the theme of the second oldest extant chant from the 12th century known and sung by the Czech people—a prayer to the patron of their country, pleading to preserve it from perishing. This venerated tune takes the form of a Kyrielle, each verse, after invoking the intercession of St. Va;clav (Wenceslas—Prince of the Czech lands in the 10th century) on behalf of his people, ends with the Kyrie eleison. Further verses, in litany form, call upon the other Czech patron saints, eg. Ludmilla, Prokop, John Nepomuk, Agnes. It also became a famous ceremonial song bonding the people together.
Although originally written as an organ work for liturgical or concert use, this work may be performed with any keyboard instrument. It is of medium difficulty and requires little or no use of pedal for the organist. Written by a master composer, it offers the organist and brass player a new style, as well as a work which offers new challenges.
When the piano is used to accompany the soloist, great care should be given to play with a sensitivity for legato phrasing. We have made it possible for student instrumentalists to aspire to perform this work by publishing separate solo scores for 18 different instruments.
The composer offers the optional use of a brass quartet to augment the solo instrument and organ. (Music available from the publisher.) A choir could also sing the chorale in unison as an option also. For concert performance, Singing the a cappella chant (see backpage) before performing this work, is a most effective way to prepare the audience for this work.
This chant is included in the hymnal collection of 77 Czech hymns with new English texts called, GIVE GLORY, published by Alliance Publications, Inc. It is also available in a 4-part choral setting in the vocal and accompaniment editions as well as on the CD recording showcasing the hymnal.
— Anita Smisek, OP, Editor