Composer

:

Judith Bingham

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2004

Average_duration

:

4:24

'God Would Be Born in Thee' is a choral work composed by Judith Bingham in 2011. It was premiered on December 17, 2011, by the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, under the direction of Andrew Nethsingha. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "The Annunciation," is a setting of the text from Luke 1:26-38. It begins with a solo soprano voice singing the words "Hail Mary, full of grace," which is then echoed by the choir. The music is ethereal and otherworldly, with the use of dissonant harmonies and a haunting melody. The movement builds to a climax with the words "Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son," before ending with a quiet and reflective section. The second movement, "The Nativity," is a setting of the text from Luke 2:1-7. It begins with a gentle and peaceful melody, with the choir singing "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus." The music then becomes more joyful and celebratory as the choir sings "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." The movement ends with a return to the peaceful melody from the beginning. The final movement, "The Epiphany," is a setting of the text from Matthew 2:1-12. It begins with a solo tenor voice singing "When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea," which is then echoed by the choir. The music is more rhythmic and lively than the previous movements, with the use of syncopated rhythms and a driving melody. The movement builds to a climax with the words "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him." The piece ends with a quiet and reflective section, with the choir singing "And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." Overall, 'God Would Be Born in Thee' is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the wonder and mystery of the Christmas story. Bingham's use of dissonant harmonies and haunting melodies creates a sense of otherworldliness, while the more joyful and celebratory sections capture the joy and wonder of the Nativity. The piece is a wonderful addition to the Christmas choral repertoire and is sure to be enjoyed by audiences and performers alike.

More....