Composer

:

David Lang

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

23:35

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

"World to Come" is a choral work composed by David Lang, an American composer, in 2016. The piece was commissioned by the Lorelei Ensemble, a Boston-based women's vocal ensemble, and premiered on November 4, 2016, at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The piece consists of five movements, each of which is based on a text from the Hebrew Bible. The texts are taken from the Book of Isaiah, the Book of Psalms, and the Book of Job. The movements are titled "Just," "Sweet," "Sorrow," "Love," and "World to Come." The first movement, "Just," is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and dissonant harmonies. The text, taken from Isaiah 56:1, speaks of the importance of justice and righteousness. The second movement, "Sweet," is a stark contrast to the first. It is characterized by its simple, diatonic harmonies and gentle, flowing melodies. The text, taken from Psalm 34:9, speaks of the sweetness of the Lord. The third movement, "Sorrow," is a haunting and mournful piece. The text, taken from Isaiah 53:3-4, speaks of the suffering of the Messiah. The fourth movement, "Love," is a tender and intimate piece. The text, taken from the Song of Solomon, speaks of the love between two lovers. The final movement, "World to Come," is a powerful and triumphant piece. The text, taken from Job 19:25-26, speaks of the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Overall, "World to Come" is a complex and emotionally charged work that showcases Lang's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and rhythmic complexity, as well as its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in the listener.

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