motet notes - Rheinberger

Composed in 1893, "Prope est Dominus" is a setting of Psalm 144, verses 18 and 21, with added free text. Rheinberger’s compositional influences include Brahms, Schubert and Bach. He is often compared to Anton Bruckner, although his themes are shorter and his harmonies are richer.  Chordal declamation of the text dominates except in the brief imitative passages. He uses chromaticism in moderation and the form necessitates the return of the opening, leading to a kind of reprise.

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