Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

2:05

Let Us Now Praise Famous Men is a choral work composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1941. The piece was premiered on October 2, 1941, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The work is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement, "The Seed of Stars," is based on a text by Walt Whitman. It is a hymn to the power of nature and the universe, and the music reflects this with its sweeping melodies and grand harmonies. The second movement, "The Souls of the Righteous," is based on a text from the Book of Wisdom. It is a meditation on the afterlife and the rewards of a virtuous life. The music is more subdued and introspective than the first movement, with a focus on the choir's rich harmonies. The third movement, "The Revival," is based on a text by William Blake. It is a call to action, urging listeners to rise up and fight against oppression and injustice. The music is more urgent and forceful than the previous movements, with a driving rhythm and powerful choral passages. The final movement, "The Love of God," is based on a text by Julian of Norwich. It is a celebration of the divine love that surrounds us all, and the music reflects this with its gentle, flowing melodies and peaceful harmonies. Overall, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men is a powerful and moving work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the human spirit. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, sweeping melodies, and powerful choral passages, and it remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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