Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1923 - 1925

Average_duration

:

32:39

Ralph Vaughan Williams composed 'Sancta Civitas' in 1923-1925, and it premiered on October 13, 1926, at the Leeds Festival. The piece is a choral work for soloists, choir, and orchestra, and it is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The City of God," begins with a solemn and mysterious introduction by the orchestra. The choir then enters with a powerful and declamatory statement of the text, which is taken from the Book of Revelation. The music is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and angular melodies, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement, "The Holy City," is a lyrical and expressive setting of the text from the Book of Isaiah. The soloists and choir sing a beautiful melody that is accompanied by a lush and romantic orchestration. The music is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and soaring melodies, which create a sense of awe and wonder. The final movement, "The New Jerusalem," is a triumphant and joyful setting of the text from the Book of Revelation. The music is characterized by its use of fanfare-like brass and percussion, which create a sense of celebration and exultation. The choir and soloists sing a powerful and uplifting melody that is accompanied by a driving and energetic orchestration. Overall, 'Sancta Civitas' is a powerful and dramatic work that showcases Vaughan Williams' mastery of choral and orchestral writing. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies, angular melodies, and lush orchestration, which create a sense of tension, awe, and celebration.

More....