Anton (or Antonio) Diabelli (1781 – 1858) was an
Austrian music publisher, editor and composer. Best
known in his time as a publisher, he is most familiar
today as the composer of the waltz on which Ludwig van
Beethoven wrote his set of thirty-three Diabelli
Variations. He was born in Mattsee near Salzburg, then
in the Archbishopric of Salzburg. A musical child, he
sang in the boys' choir at Salzburg Cathedral where he
is believed to have taken music lessons with Michael
Haydn. By the age of 1...(+)
Anton (or Antonio) Diabelli (1781 – 1858) was an
Austrian music publisher, editor and composer. Best
known in his time as a publisher, he is most familiar
today as the composer of the waltz on which Ludwig van
Beethoven wrote his set of thirty-three Diabelli
Variations. He was born in Mattsee near Salzburg, then
in the Archbishopric of Salzburg. A musical child, he
sang in the boys' choir at Salzburg Cathedral where he
is believed to have taken music lessons with Michael
Haydn. By the age of 19 Diabelli had already composed
several important compositions including six masses.
Diabelli was trained to enter the priesthood and in
1800 joined the monastery at Raitenhaslach, Bavaria. He
remained there until 1803, when Bavaria closed all its
monasteries.
Diabelli composed a number of well-known Classical
works, including an operetta called Adam in der Klemme,
several masses, songs and numerous piano and classical
guitar pieces. Numerically his guitar pieces form the
largest part of his works. His pieces for piano four
hands are popular.
Diabelli's composition Pleasures of Youth: Six
Sonatinas is a collection of six sonatinas depicting a
struggle between unknown opposing forces. This is
suggested by the sharp and frequent change in dynamics
from forte to piano. When forte is indicated the
pianist is meant to evoke a sense of wickedness, thus
depicting the antagonist. In contrast the markings of
piano represent the protagonist.
"Puer natus est nobis" (A boy is born for us) is a
Gregorian chant, the introit for Christmas Day. The
text of the antiphon is taken from Isaiah 9:6, while
the psalm verse is verse 1 from Psalm 98, "Sing a new
song to the Lord": Puer natus est nobis, et filius
datus est nobis : cuius imperium super humerum eius :
et vocabitur nomen eius, magni consilii angelus.
Cantate Domino canticum novum : quia mirabilia
fecit.
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Diabelli)
Although originally composed for Chorus (SATB) & Organ,
I created this arrangement of "Puer natus est nobis"
('Unto us a boy is born') for Winds (Flute, Oboe,
English Horn & Bassoon) & Strings (2 Violins, Viola &
Cello).
PARTITION