In lumine Domini (Suite No. 5) (2012)

Flemming Chr. Hansen (b. 1968) — In lumine Domini (Suite No. 5) (2012) for organ

1. Forsamlingsmusik (Gathering Music)
2. Præludium
3. Mosaik
4. Postludium

“In lumine Domini (Suite No. 5)” (2012) is from a large cycle of organ suites that each combine elements of traditional concert and church music with techniques from minimalist, ambient, and aleatoric (open form) music. Loosely inspired in concept by Tournemire’s “L´orgue mystique,” Hansen seeks in these suites to create music of meditative character that invites contemplation, with each suite being particularly suited for use in church services with a meditative cast. Each of the suites has the same four movement form, in which the first and third movements employ aleatoric/open form techniques to produce music of flexible structure and length. The second and fourth movements, by contrast, are through-composed in fixed form. All the musical material is linked throughout the suite. The first ten suites were commissioned by the Danish Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs.

Suite No. 5 begins with a solo melody that wanders through many different modal areas, over a series of open 5ths in the bass. The various phrases are presented in different orderings. The second movement is flowing and lyrical: quasi-arpeggiated melodic figures move back and forth between the hands. Near the end, the open 5ths of the first movement are heard again. The third movement is built from varying series of quiet melodic gestures, each consisting of just a few notes. The final movement is minimalist in construction, with figurations based on the second movement turned into fast repeating patterns that undergo subtle rhythmic and harmonic variation.