Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1954 - 1958

Average_duration

:

1:27

"Hands, Eyes and Heart" is a choral work composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1956. The piece was premiered on July 7, 1956, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, as part of the Festival of Britain. The work is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of human creativity. The first movement, "Hands," is a setting of a poem by Ursula Vaughan Williams, the composer's wife. The text describes the hands of a craftsman at work, and the music reflects the rhythmic and repetitive nature of manual labor. The choral writing is homophonic, with the voices moving in unison or in simple harmonies. The accompaniment is sparse, consisting of a simple piano part that provides a steady pulse. The second movement, "Eyes," is a setting of a poem by Robert Bridges. The text describes the beauty of the natural world and the way in which it inspires creativity. The music is more complex than the first movement, with intricate choral writing and a more varied accompaniment. The piano part is more active, with arpeggios and flourishes that suggest the movement of the natural world. The third movement, "Heart," is a setting of a poem by Walt Whitman. The text celebrates the power of love and the human spirit. The music is the most expansive of the three movements, with soaring melodies and lush harmonies. The choral writing is more contrapuntal, with the voices weaving in and out of each other. The accompaniment is also more complex, with a richly textured piano part and occasional interjections from the brass. Overall, "Hands, Eyes and Heart" is a celebration of human creativity and the power of the arts to inspire and uplift. The music is accessible and tonal, with a strong sense of melody and harmony. The choral writing is straightforward and expressive, with a focus on the text and its meaning. The accompaniment is supportive and complementary, providing a framework for the voices to shine.

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