Composer

:

Zachary Wadsworth

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2015

Average_duration

:

3:34

'Up-Hill' is a choral work composed by Zachary Wadsworth in 2013. The piece was premiered on April 27, 2013, by the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, conducted by Andrew Clark. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Up-Hill," is a setting of the poem by Christina Rossetti. The music is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody that is passed between the different sections of the choir. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonances that create a sense of tension and release. The text is set in a way that emphasizes the repetition of the phrase "Does the road wind up-hill all the way?" which creates a sense of longing and uncertainty. The second movement, "The Hill," is a setting of a poem by Edgar Lee Masters. The music is more rhythmic and energetic than the first movement, with a driving pulse that propels the music forward. The harmonies are more dissonant, with clusters of notes that create a sense of tension and urgency. The text is set in a way that emphasizes the repetition of the phrase "I am the hill," which creates a sense of strength and resilience. The third movement, "The Journey," is a setting of a poem by Mary Oliver. The music is characterized by a sense of calm and introspection, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout the movement. The harmonies are more consonant than the previous movements, with a sense of resolution and peace. The text is set in a way that emphasizes the repetition of the phrase "One day you finally knew," which creates a sense of clarity and understanding. Overall, 'Up-Hill' is a powerful and evocative choral work that explores themes of uncertainty, strength, and self-discovery. The music is characterized by rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and a sense of emotional depth that is sure to resonate with audiences.

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