Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1901

Average_duration

:

2:16

'High Are the Snowdrifts, Op. 1/5' is a choral work composed by Jean Sibelius in 1891. It was premiered on March 27, 1892, in Helsinki, Finland, by the Helsinki University Chorus. The piece is part of a set of five choral songs, which were Sibelius' first published works. The piece is written for a four-part mixed choir and is set to a poem by Zachris Topelius. The poem describes the beauty of winter and the snow-covered landscape, with the snowdrifts reaching up to the sky. The music captures the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the winter landscape, with the choir singing in a slow and gentle tempo. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in a minor key, while the second movement is in a major key. The first movement begins with a slow and quiet introduction, with the choir singing in unison. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with the choir singing in a major key and the tempo increasing. The third movement returns to the slow and peaceful atmosphere of the first movement, with the choir singing in a minor key. The piece is characteristic of Sibelius' early style, with its simple and lyrical melodies and harmonies. The music is influenced by Finnish folk music, with its use of modal scales and simple rhythms. The piece also demonstrates Sibelius' skill in writing for the voice, with its beautiful and expressive vocal lines. Overall, 'High Are the Snowdrifts, Op. 1/5' is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the beauty and serenity of the winter landscape. It is a testament to Sibelius' early talent as a composer and his ability to create music that is both simple and profound.

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