Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1902

Average_duration

:

3:14

"Rest" is a choral work composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1925. It was premiered on October 22, 1925, at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford, England. The piece is a setting of a poem by Christina Rossetti, and it is scored for SATB choir and organ. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Come to me in the silence of the night," is a gentle and contemplative setting of the first stanza of Rossetti's poem. The choir sings in unison, with the organ providing a soft and supportive accompaniment. The second movement, "O rest in the Lord," is a more expansive setting of the second stanza. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the organ providing a rich and full accompaniment. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a peaceful and serene conclusion. The final movement, "Come to me in the silence of the morning," is a return to the gentle and contemplative mood of the first movement. The choir sings in unison once again, with the organ providing a delicate and ethereal accompaniment. The characteristics of "Rest" reflect Vaughan Williams' interest in English folk music and his love of the Anglican choral tradition. The work is characterized by its simple and direct melodies, its rich harmonies, and its use of modal scales. The organ accompaniment is supportive and understated, providing a gentle and unobtrusive foundation for the choir. The work is also notable for its use of silence and space, which create a sense of stillness and contemplation. Overall, "Rest" is a beautiful and deeply moving work that reflects Vaughan Williams' mastery of choral composition and his profound spiritual sensibility. Its timeless message of rest and peace continues to resonate with audiences today.

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