Composer

:

Elizabeth Maconchy

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:05

Elizabeth Maconchy's 'This Day' is a choral work that was composed in 1956. It was premiered on 17th October 1956 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, conducted by John Hopkins. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled 'This Day', is a setting of a poem by Edith Sitwell. It begins with a slow and somber introduction, with the choir singing in unison. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in harmony and the orchestra providing a rich and complex accompaniment. The text of the poem is about the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life, and Maconchy's music captures the mood of the text perfectly. The second movement, titled 'The Sun is Love', is a setting of a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is a much more upbeat and joyful piece than the first movement, with the choir singing in a lively and energetic manner. The orchestra provides a bright and cheerful accompaniment, with the use of percussion adding to the festive atmosphere. The text of the poem is about the warmth and joy that the sun brings, and Maconchy's music captures this sentiment perfectly. The final movement, titled 'The World is Too Much With Us', is a setting of a poem by William Wordsworth. It is a slow and contemplative piece, with the choir singing in a mournful and reflective manner. The orchestra provides a sparse and haunting accompaniment, with the use of strings and woodwinds creating a sense of melancholy. The text of the poem is about the loss of nature and the spiritual emptiness of modern life, and Maconchy's music captures this sentiment perfectly. Overall, 'This Day' is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Maconchy's skill as a composer. The three movements are each unique in their own way, but they are united by a common theme of the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. The piece is a testament to Maconchy's ability to capture the mood and sentiment of a text through her music, and it remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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