Te Deum WAB 45

Scoring: Soli SATB, Coro SATB, 2 Pfte, Timp ad lib

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, transcriptions of large (choral) symphonic works for two pianos were extremely popular: They enabled a large audience to get to know classical compositions in an age before recorded music. In many cases, world-famous works were first performed in such a version – including Bruckner’s Te Deum. Unfortunately, only a few bars of this transcription have survived.

The Stuttgart composer, pianist and experienced piano-duo performer Sebastian Bartmann was commissioned by the Landesakademie für die musizierende Jugend in Baden-Württemberg Ochsenhausen to newly arrange Bruckner’s Te Deum and the Mass in D minor for soloists, choir and two pianos. A timpani part (ad libitum) provides additional color. The arrangements are based on the original Carus editions. The vocal scores and choral scores of the original version can also be used.

Today the Te Deum is Bruckner’s most frequently performed vocal work. The greatest challenges for any choir are the high register and the enormous orchestration of this extremely effective piece: The singers are often required to declaim against a large orchestra performing forte fortissimo! This problem is resolved in the arrangement for two pianos; moreover, the scaling back of the sonic forces helps reveal compositional structures that otherwise can all too easily get lost in the intoxicating orchestral sound.