Composer

:

Peter Warlock

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1927

Average_duration

:

6:12

"Where Riches is Evelastingly" is a choral work composed by Peter Warlock in 1929. The piece was premiered on May 22, 1929, at the Royal College of Music in London, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Where Riches is Evelastingly," is a setting of a text by the 16th-century poet Sir Thomas Wyatt. The music is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody in the choir, accompanied by a gentle, undulating piano part. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances to create a sense of tension and release. The second movement, "The Night," is a setting of a poem by the 17th-century poet Henry Vaughan. The music is much more subdued than the first movement, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The choir sings in a soft, hushed tone, with the piano providing a gentle, atmospheric accompaniment. The harmonies are simpler than in the first movement, with a greater emphasis on consonance and a sense of stillness. The final movement, "The Way to the Spring," is a setting of a poem by the 19th-century poet William Morris. The music is characterized by a lively, dance-like rhythm, with a jaunty melody in the choir and a lively, syncopated piano part. The harmonies are bright and colorful, with frequent use of major and minor modes to create a sense of contrast and excitement. Overall, "Where Riches is Evelastingly" is a beautiful and evocative choral work that showcases Warlock's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and expressive use of text painting. It remains a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike, and is considered one of Warlock's most enduring works.

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