Cornelius, Peter: Domine salvum fac regem

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'. 'Domine salvum fac regem' too was composed by Cornelius in this context – in two versions: for a cappella men's choir and for solo tenor, mixed choir and orchestra. The version for men's choir was written in May 1852, setting to music in a 'speaking' and expressive manner the texts compiled from psalm and doxology, with colourful motet-like and block-like sections and a 'Gloria Deo', set as if chiselled, which introduces the final section – an impressive work.