Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1914

Publication Date

:

1935

First Performance

:

Sep 26, 1933

Average_duration

:

5:40

"General William Booth Enters into Heaven" is a choral work composed by Charles Ives in 1914. The piece is based on a poem by Vachel Lindsay, which tells the story of the founder of the Salvation Army, General William Booth, as he enters heaven. The work is scored for four-part choir, piano, and optional percussion. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Salvation Army Lassies," is a lively and rhythmic depiction of the women who served in the Salvation Army. The second movement, "The General," is a more solemn and contemplative section that focuses on Booth's life and work. The final movement, "The Vision," is a triumphant and celebratory section that depicts Booth's arrival in heaven. One of the most notable characteristics of "General William Booth Enters into Heaven" is its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. Ives was known for his experimental approach to music, and this piece is no exception. The dissonant chords and unexpected harmonies create a sense of tension and drama that is well-suited to the subject matter. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of percussion. While the percussion is optional, it adds an extra layer of excitement and energy to the work. The percussion parts include snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and triangle, and they are used to accentuate the rhythms and add color to the music. "General William Booth Enters into Heaven" premiered in 1914 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The performance was conducted by Ives himself, and it was well-received by the audience. The piece has since become one of Ives' most popular choral works, and it is still performed today by choirs around the world.

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