Composer

:

Richard Rodney Bennett

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1968

Average_duration

:

3:43

"What sweeter music can we bring" is a choral work composed by Richard Rodney Bennett in 1988. The piece was premiered by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of Stephen Cleobury, on Christmas Eve of the same year. The work is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement sets a text by Robert Herrick, "What sweeter music can we bring than a carol, for to sing the birth of this our heavenly King?" The music is joyful and celebratory, with a lively tempo and bright harmonies. The second movement sets a text by Ben Jonson, "In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan." The music is more reflective and introspective, with a slower tempo and more subdued harmonies. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, creating a sense of unity and simplicity. The third movement sets a text by Thomas Hardy, "The Oxen." The music is gentle and peaceful, with a flowing melody and soft harmonies. The choir sings in a homophonic texture, with all voices moving together in harmony. The final movement sets a text by John Donne, "Welcome, all wonders in one sight, Eternity shut in a span." The music is grand and majestic, with a fast tempo and rich harmonies. The choir sings in a polyphonic texture, with different voices singing different melodies at the same time. Overall, "What sweeter music can we bring" is a beautiful and varied choral work that captures the joy and wonder of the Christmas season. Bennett's use of different texts and musical styles creates a rich and engaging listening experience for audiences.

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