Dithyramb

Efrem I. Podgaits (b. 1949) is a prolific composer of works in many genres, with a special emphasis on music for treble and children’s choirs. In 2007, the “Vesna” Children’s Choir from Moscow won the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing for their performance of “Dithyramb”—which is defined as a Greek choral chant of wild and passionate character. The text of this particular “Dithyramb” is sacred—“Gloria in excelsis Deo! Osanna in excelsis!”—while the musical setting is certainly exalted, exciting, and vibrant. An extraordinary program piece for an accomplished treble or women’s choir!