Composer

:

Jonathan Dove

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2019

Average_duration

:

05:17

"Vertue" is a choral work composed by Jonathan Dove in 1999. It was commissioned by the BBC for the Millennium celebrations and premiered on January 1, 2000, at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The piece is divided into three movements, each exploring a different aspect of virtue. The first movement, "Faith, Hope, and Charity," is a setting of a medieval text that celebrates the three theological virtues. The music is joyful and exuberant, with lively rhythms and soaring melodies. The choir sings in unison and harmony, creating a sense of unity and community. The second movement, "The Human Virtues," is based on a text by the 17th-century poet George Herbert. It explores the virtues of humility, patience, and contentment. The music is more introspective and contemplative, with gentle harmonies and a slower tempo. The choir sings in a more restrained manner, reflecting the introspective nature of the text. The final movement, "The Virtues of God," is a setting of a text by the 19th-century poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. It celebrates the virtues of God, including love, mercy, and justice. The music is grand and majestic, with powerful harmonies and soaring melodies. The choir sings in a more declamatory style, reflecting the grandeur of the text. Overall, "Vertue" is a powerful and uplifting work that celebrates the virtues that make us human. Dove's music is accessible and engaging, with a strong sense of melody and harmony. The piece is well-suited for performance by choirs of all levels, and it has become a popular choice for choral concerts and festivals around the world.

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