Composer

:

Charles Wood

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:18

"Summer Ended" is a choral work composed by Charles Wood, an Irish composer and teacher. The piece was composed in 1911 and premiered in the same year. It is a four-movement work that is characterized by its lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and evocative text setting. The first movement, "Summer Ended," sets a poem by Christina Rossetti that describes the end of summer and the coming of autumn. The music is slow and mournful, with long, sustained chords that create a sense of longing and sadness. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies that add depth and richness to the sound. The second movement, "The Wind," sets a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson that describes the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. The music is more lively and energetic than the first movement, with a faster tempo and more complex harmonies. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with each voice part taking turns to sing the melody. The third movement, "The Leaves," sets a poem by Walter de la Mare that describes the falling leaves of autumn. The music is slow and contemplative, with a gentle melody that is passed between the different voice parts. The harmonies are simple and understated, creating a sense of peacefulness and tranquility. The final movement, "The Dead," sets a poem by Rupert Brooke that reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The music is slow and solemn, with a mournful melody that is sung by the choir in unison. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonant chords that create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, "Summer Ended" is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the mood and atmosphere of autumn. Charles Wood's skillful use of harmony and melody creates a rich and expressive sound that is both moving and memorable.

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