Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1924 - 1926

Average_duration

:

8:42

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Five Phrases from the Song of Solomon is a choral work composed by Virgil Thomson in 1949. The piece was premiered on May 4, 1950, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Dimitri Mitropoulos. The work is divided into five movements, each of which sets a different verse from the Song of Solomon. The first movement, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart," is a gentle and lyrical setting of the text. The music is characterized by its flowing lines and delicate harmonies, which create a sense of intimacy and tenderness. The second movement, "Behold, thou art fair, my love," is more lively and rhythmic. The music is marked by its syncopated rhythms and playful melodies, which convey a sense of joy and celebration. The third movement, "I am the rose of Sharon," is a slow and contemplative setting of the text. The music is characterized by its rich harmonies and expressive melodies, which create a sense of longing and introspection. The fourth movement, "My beloved is mine, and I am his," is a passionate and dramatic setting of the text. The music is marked by its bold harmonies and soaring melodies, which convey a sense of intense emotion and devotion. The final movement, "Many waters cannot quench love," is a triumphant and exultant setting of the text. The music is characterized by its grandeur and power, with bold harmonies and majestic melodies that convey a sense of awe and wonder. Overall, Five Phrases from the Song of Solomon is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Thomson's skill as a composer. The music is marked by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and varied textures, which create a sense of intimacy, joy, longing, passion, and triumph.

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