Composer

:

Cheryl Frances-Hoad

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

3:39

'There Is No Rose' is a choral work composed by Cheryl Frances-Hoad in 2012. The piece was premiered on December 15, 2012, by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of Stephen Cleobury. The work is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the Christmas story. The first movement, titled "There Is No Rose," is a setting of the medieval English carol of the same name. Frances-Hoad's arrangement of the carol is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the first verse of the carol, which is then taken up by the full choir. The music builds in intensity as the choir sings the refrain "And that I say with joy and bliss, there is no rose of such virtue as is the rose that bare Jesu." The second movement, titled "The Annunciation," is a setting of the biblical story of the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary to announce that she will give birth to Jesus. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the words "Hail Mary, full of grace," which are then taken up by the full choir. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and shifting harmonies, which reflect the uncertainty and fear that Mary must have felt upon hearing the news. The third and final movement, titled "The Nativity," is a setting of the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the words "In Bethlehem, that noble place," which are then taken up by the full choir. The music is characterized by its use of simple, folk-like melodies and gentle harmonies, which reflect the peaceful and joyous nature of the story. Overall, 'There Is No Rose' is a beautiful and moving choral work that explores the various aspects of the Christmas story with sensitivity and depth. Frances-Hoad's use of rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and shifting harmonies creates a sense of drama and emotion that is both powerful and poignant. The work is a testament to the enduring power of the Christmas story and the beauty of choral music.

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