Composer

:

John Wilson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:38

'Diffugere nives' is a choral work composed by John Wilson, a British conductor and composer, in 2014. The piece was premiered on December 19, 2014, by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of Stephen Cleobury. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a Latin text from the Roman poet Horace's Odes. The first movement, "Diffugere nives," is a setting of Horace's ode to the arrival of spring and the melting of winter snows. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody that evokes the thawing of the snow and the emergence of new life. The second movement, "Et tamen," is a setting of Horace's ode to the inevitability of death. The music is more somber and introspective, with a haunting melody that reflects the poem's themes of mortality and the transience of life. The final movement, "Non me," is a setting of Horace's ode to the power of love. The music is joyful and exuberant, with a lively, dance-like rhythm that captures the poem's celebration of the transformative power of love. Overall, 'Diffugere nives' is a beautifully crafted choral work that showcases John Wilson's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and evocative use of text painting. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of Horace's poetry and the timeless themes of love, life, and death that it explores.

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