Composer

:

Jonathan Rathbone

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

"The Oxen" is a choral work composed by Jonathan Rathbone, a British composer and arranger. The piece was composed in 1991 and premiered in the same year by the choir of King's College, Cambridge. It is a setting of a poem by Thomas Hardy, which tells the story of a Christmas Eve when the narrator sees a vision of the oxen kneeling in the snow. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing in unison to create a sense of stillness and awe. The second movement is more lively, with the choir singing in harmony to create a sense of movement and excitement. The third movement returns to the slow, contemplative mood of the first, with the choir singing in unison once again. One of the characteristics of "The Oxen" is its use of harmony and counterpoint. Rathbone uses complex harmonies and intricate counterpoint to create a rich and textured sound. He also uses a variety of vocal techniques, such as whispering and humming, to create different moods and effects. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of dynamics. Rathbone uses a wide range of dynamics, from the softest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo, to create a sense of drama and contrast. He also uses sudden changes in dynamics to create surprise and tension. Overall, "The Oxen" is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the spirit of Christmas and the wonder of the nativity story. Rathbone's skillful composition and use of harmony, counterpoint, and dynamics make it a memorable and moving piece of music.

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