Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1920

Publication Date

:

1932

First Performance

:

Oct 16, 1967

Average_duration

:

3:46

"Lincoln, the Great Commoner" is a choral and orchestral work composed by Charles Ives in 1921. The piece was premiered on February 12, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut, by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the New Haven Oratorio Society. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text related to Abraham Lincoln. The first movement, "The Great Emancipator," is based on Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and features a solo baritone singing the text. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement, "The Mystic Chords of Memory," is based on Lincoln's first inaugural address and features the full chorus singing the text. The movement is characterized by its use of lush harmonies and soaring melodies, which create a sense of nostalgia and longing. The third movement, "The Gettysburg Address," is based on Lincoln's famous speech and features the full chorus and orchestra. The movement is characterized by its use of simple, hymn-like melodies and harmonies, which create a sense of solemnity and reverence. Overall, "Lincoln, the Great Commoner" is a powerful and moving tribute to one of America's greatest presidents. Through its use of complex harmonies, rhythms, and textures, the piece captures the complexity and depth of Lincoln's legacy, while also conveying a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

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