Composer

:

Caroline Shaw

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

7:30

"Its Motion Keeps" is a contemporary classical composition by Caroline Shaw, which was premiered on November 22, 2014, as part of the collaborative project "Black Mountain Songs." The project was a tribute to the Black Mountain College, an experimental liberal arts college in North Carolina that operated from 1933 to 1957 and was known for its avant-garde approach to education and the arts. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Wind," is a slow and meditative piece that features a solo voice accompanied by a simple piano melody. The second movement, "The Water," is more lively and rhythmic, with a driving percussion beat and a playful vocal melody. The final movement, "The Fire," is the most intense and dramatic of the three, with a soaring vocal line and a complex, layered instrumental arrangement. One of the defining characteristics of "Its Motion Keeps" is its use of vocal harmonies and counterpoint. Shaw's background as a singer and member of the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth is evident in the intricate vocal arrangements and the way the voices interact with each other and with the instrumental parts. The composition also incorporates elements of folk music and Americana, with references to traditional hymns and spirituals. Overall, "Its Motion Keeps" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Shaw's unique voice as a composer and performer. As part of the larger "Black Mountain Songs" project, it pays tribute to the legacy of the Black Mountain College and its commitment to experimentation and innovation in the arts.

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