Composer

:

Ola Gjeilo

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

6:03

"Second Eve" is a choral work composed by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo. The piece was composed in 2012 and premiered in the same year by the Phoenix Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy. The work is divided into three movements and is approximately 15 minutes in length. The first movement, titled "The Spheres," is a serene and ethereal piece that features a wordless choir accompanied by a string quartet. The choir sings in a cluster chord style, creating a shimmering effect that evokes the image of stars in the night sky. The string quartet provides a gentle, flowing accompaniment that adds to the dreamlike quality of the music. The second movement, "Second Eve," is a setting of a poem by the composer. The text describes the creation of a new world, with the arrival of a second Eve. The music is more rhythmic and energetic than the first movement, with a driving piano accompaniment and a pulsing rhythm in the choir. The harmonies are lush and complex, with occasional dissonances that add tension and drama to the music. The final movement, "The Ground," returns to the serene and contemplative mood of the first movement. The choir sings a setting of a text by 17th-century poet Thomas Traherne, which speaks of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The music is slow and meditative, with long, sustained chords that create a sense of stillness and peace. The string quartet returns, providing a gentle, flowing accompaniment that supports the choir. Overall, "Second Eve" is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Gjeilo's skill as a composer. The music is lush and harmonically rich, with a sense of serenity and wonder that is both calming and uplifting. The work is well-suited for performance by a skilled choir and string quartet, and is sure to be a memorable addition to any concert program.

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