Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorus

Compose Date

:

1961

Average_duration

:

1:45

"Heaven-Haven" is a song arranged for choir by Samuel Barber, based on his earlier composition Op. 13/1. The piece was composed in 1935 and premiered in 1936. It is a part of Barber's collection of songs titled "Hermit Songs," which were inspired by texts written by Irish monks in the Middle Ages. The arrangement of "Heaven-Haven" is written for four-part choir, with the text sung in English. The piece is in a slow tempo and is marked "serene" in the score. The harmonies are lush and expressive, with Barber's signature use of dissonance and chromaticism. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a gentle rise and fall that reflects the contemplative nature of the text. The text of "Heaven-Haven" is a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a 19th-century English poet and Jesuit priest. The poem describes a longing for a peaceful and secure place, free from the turmoil and distractions of the world. The title "Heaven-Haven" refers to the idea of heaven as a safe haven or refuge from the trials of life. The piece is divided into two sections, with a brief instrumental interlude between them. The first section features the choir singing the text in unison, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The second section is more complex, with overlapping vocal lines and intricate harmonies. The instrumental interlude features a solo violin playing a simple, mournful melody that echoes the mood of the text. Overall, "Heaven-Haven" is a beautiful and contemplative piece that showcases Barber's skill as a composer and his ability to create expressive and evocative music. Its lush harmonies and gentle melody make it a popular choice for choirs and vocal ensembles, and its timeless message of longing for peace and security resonates with audiences of all ages.

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