Joseph Eybler: Omnes de Saba venient, Gradual, HV 40

This gradual of the Viennese Hofkapellmeister Joseph Eybler (1765-1846)
is one of his best known sacral works and has become an integral part of the solemn service on
Epiphany (January 6) in Vienna. Composed in 1807, this gradual
was performed in the Vienna Hofburgkapelle almost every year on Epiphany until
far into the 20th century. Several recordings also testify to the
popularity of the piece.

In this gradual, Eybler sets to music a text of Isaiah and a verse from the
Gospel of Matthew about the adoration of the Magi.

Due to Eybler’s position as Hofkapellmeister, an excellent orchestra of professional
musicians was available, so his compositions – and this piece is no
exception – typically feature a large
orchestra, although the full range of instruments is always utilized very thoughtfully.
This gradual also exhibits several different vocal styles, like an almost completely
unaccompanied soprano solo, a four-part female choir, an a cappella choral or a classical fugue.

Like most of Eybler’s works, it is also very onomatopoeic:
The rhythm of the first few measures cleverly pictures the approaching caravan,
while maintaining harmony until the first peak "annuntiantes laudem Domino"
(to preach the praise of the Lord).
The following soprano aria "Surge et illuminare Jerusalem", which develops
from a long high "Surge!" (Arise!) call during a general pause of the
whole orchestra, features only sporadic interjections of the orchestra rather
than full orchestral accompaniment.
The four-part "Hallelujah" chorus by the female voices prepares the
long fugue "Vidimus stellam ejus in oriente" in classical style, with
the bass leading as the personified Magi ("Vidimus stellam ejus in oriente" –
"We have seen his star in the East").
A brief a cappella choral eventually leads to the grand finale
with increasing "Hallelujah" calls, before the piece vanishes into nothing
and the caravan disappears in the distance.

Composer

Joseph Eybler (1765-1846)

Subtitle

Graduale, HV 40

Catalogue number

HV 40

Scoring

Solo S, Coro SATB, Org., 2Vl., Va., Vc., Cb., 2Ob., 2Fag., 2Cor., 2Clni., Tim.

Key

C-Dur

Editor

Reinhold Kainhofer

Publisher

Edition Kainhofer, Vienna

Language

Latin

Year

1807

Score information

Urtext

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