Composer

:

Jennifer Higdon

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1998

Average_duration

:

4:46

'Amazing Grace' is a contemporary composition by Jennifer Higdon, an American composer born in 1962. The piece was composed in 1993 and premiered in the same year by the Philadelphia Singers, conducted by David Hayes. The composition is a choral setting of the well-known hymn 'Amazing Grace', which was written by John Newton in the late 18th century. Higdon's version of the hymn is arranged for SATB choir and piano, and features four movements. The first movement, 'Amazing Grace', is a straightforward setting of the hymn tune, with the choir singing the familiar lyrics and the piano providing accompaniment. The second movement, 'The World is Too Much With Us', is a setting of a poem by William Wordsworth. The choir sings the poem's text, which laments the loss of nature and the rise of materialism in society. The piano provides a gentle, flowing accompaniment that evokes the natural world. The third movement, 'The Peace of Wild Things', is a setting of a poem by Wendell Berry. The choir sings the poem's text, which celebrates the peace and beauty of the natural world. The piano provides a sparse, atmospheric accompaniment that creates a sense of stillness and tranquility. The final movement, 'Amazing Grace (Reprise)', is a reprise of the hymn tune, but with a new, more complex arrangement. The choir sings the familiar lyrics, but with added harmonies and counterpoint that give the piece a more modern, sophisticated sound. The piano provides a driving, rhythmic accompaniment that builds to a powerful climax. Overall, Higdon's 'Amazing Grace' is a beautiful and moving composition that combines the timeless power of a classic hymn with the modern sensibilities of contemporary choral music. The piece showcases Higdon's skill as a composer, as well as her ability to create music that is both accessible and deeply meaningful.

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