Composer

:

Healey Willan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

2:01

"I Beheld Her, Beautiful as a Dove" is a choral work composed by Healey Willan, a Canadian composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1921 and premiered in Toronto, Canada in the same year. It is a part of Willan's larger work, "Three Motets for the Church Year," which includes two other pieces, "Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One" and "O King All Glorious." "I Beheld Her, Beautiful as a Dove" is a four-part choral work that is sung a cappella, meaning without instrumental accompaniment. The piece is based on a text from the Song of Solomon, a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. The text describes the beauty of a woman, using the metaphor of a dove. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing in unison. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the choir singing in harmony. The third movement returns to the slower tempo of the first movement, with the choir singing in a more complex harmony. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint. Willan was known for his skill in writing choral music, and "I Beheld Her, Beautiful as a Dove" is a prime example of his talent. The piece is also notable for its use of dissonance, which creates a sense of tension and release throughout the work. Overall, "I Beheld Her, Beautiful as a Dove" is a beautiful and complex choral work that showcases Willan's skill as a composer. Its use of rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint make it a challenging piece for choirs to perform, but its beauty and emotional depth make it a rewarding experience for both performers and listeners.

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