Composer

:

Randall Thompson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1922

Average_duration

:

5:26

Randall Thompson's "The Last Invocation" is a choral work that was composed in 1955. It was premiered on May 8, 1955, by the Harvard Glee Club and Radcliffe Choral Society, conducted by Thompson himself. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Invocation," begins with a solemn and reverent tone. The choir sings a prayer-like text, asking for guidance and strength. The music is slow and contemplative, with long, sustained notes and a sense of reverence. As the movement progresses, the music becomes more intense, with the choir singing in unison and the harmonies becoming more complex. The second movement, "The Peace of Wild Things," is based on a poem by Wendell Berry. The music is more upbeat and lively than the first movement, with a sense of joy and celebration. The choir sings the text with energy and enthusiasm, with the music building to a climax before subsiding into a peaceful conclusion. The final movement, "The Last Invocation," returns to the solemn and reverent tone of the first movement. The choir sings a text that speaks of the end of life and the hope for eternal peace. The music is slow and mournful, with long, sustained notes and a sense of finality. As the movement progresses, the music becomes more intense, with the choir singing in unison and the harmonies becoming more complex. The piece ends with a final, quiet chord, leaving the listener with a sense of peace and closure. Overall, "The Last Invocation" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Thompson's skill as a composer. The three movements each have their own unique characteristics, but they work together to create a cohesive and emotionally impactful piece of music.

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