Composer

:

Gregory W. Brown

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:05

"Five Women Bathing in Moonlight" is a choral work composed by Gregory W. Brown in 2018. The piece premiered on March 3, 2018, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, performed by the Cathedral Choir and the Young People's Chorus of New York City. The piece is divided into five movements, each representing one of the five women mentioned in the title. The movements are titled "The First Woman," "The Second Woman," "The Third Woman," "The Fourth Woman," and "The Fifth Woman." Each movement is a setting of a poem by the contemporary American poet, Fanny Howe. The work is characterized by its lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and evocative text painting. Brown's use of dissonance and unexpected chord progressions creates a sense of tension and release throughout the piece. The choral writing is often divided into multiple parts, creating a rich and complex texture. The text of the piece explores themes of femininity, spirituality, and the natural world. Each movement focuses on a different woman and her relationship to the moon, which serves as a symbol of both the divine and the feminine. The poems are filled with vivid imagery and metaphor, which Brown brings to life through his music. Overall, "Five Women Bathing in Moonlight" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Brown's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.

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