Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

4:32

"King's Herald" is a choral work composed by Herbert Howells in 1958. It was premiered on June 25, 1958, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," is a lively and energetic fanfare. It begins with a bold and majestic brass fanfare, which is then taken up by the choir. The music is characterized by its rhythmic drive and its use of syncopation. The choir sings a text by the English poet John Masefield, which describes the arrival of a herald announcing the arrival of a king. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a more reflective and introspective piece. It begins with a gentle and lyrical melody in the choir, accompanied by a soft and delicate piano accompaniment. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing a text by the English poet George Herbert, which speaks of the beauty and majesty of God's creation. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a triumphant and celebratory piece. It begins with a lively and rhythmic melody in the choir, accompanied by a driving and energetic piano accompaniment. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and its sense of forward momentum. The choir sings a text by the English poet William Blake, which speaks of the power and glory of God. Overall, "King's Herald" is a powerful and dynamic choral work that showcases Howells' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of bold and majestic melodies, its rhythmic drive, and its sense of forward momentum. It is a fitting tribute to the majesty and power of God, and a testament to Howells' skill as a composer.

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