Composer

:

Michael Torke

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1996

Average_duration

:

37:06

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

The Book of Proverbs is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Michael Torke. It was composed in 1994 and premiered on March 23, 1995, by the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Leonard Slatkin. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is inspired by a different proverb from the Old Testament. The first movement, "The Way of Wisdom," is based on Proverbs 4:7, which states, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." The movement is characterized by a lively and energetic tempo, with a prominent use of percussion instruments. The music is meant to evoke the idea of seeking knowledge and understanding, with the various instruments representing different aspects of the learning process. The second movement, "The Fear of the Lord," is based on Proverbs 1:7, which states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This movement is slower and more contemplative than the first, with a focus on the strings and woodwinds. The music is meant to evoke a sense of reverence and awe, as well as the idea of seeking guidance and wisdom from a higher power. The third and final movement, "The Virtuous Woman," is based on Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the qualities of an ideal wife. This movement is characterized by a lively and celebratory tempo, with a focus on the brass and percussion instruments. The music is meant to evoke a sense of joy and celebration, as well as the idea of striving for excellence and virtue in all aspects of life. Overall, The Book of Proverbs is a dynamic and engaging composition that draws inspiration from the timeless wisdom of the Old Testament. Through its use of different instruments and tempos, it seeks to capture the essence of the various proverbs and convey their messages in a powerful and evocative way.

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