Composer

:

Thomas Weelkes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1966

Average_duration

:

4:17

When David Heard is a choral work composed by Thomas Weelkes, an English composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, around 1600. It is a setting of the biblical text from 2 Samuel 18:33, which describes King David's grief upon hearing of the death of his son Absalom. The piece is written for five voices, with the text set in a homophonic style. It is a highly expressive work, with the music reflecting the intense emotions of the text. The piece is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section begins with a mournful, descending melody in the alto voice, which is then taken up by the other voices. The music is slow and somber, with long, sustained notes and frequent use of dissonance. The text is set in a declamatory style, with each word given equal weight and emphasis. The second section is more agitated, with the music becoming more complex and dissonant. The voices overlap and interweave, creating a sense of confusion and turmoil. The text is repeated several times, with each repetition becoming more intense and emotional. The final section is a return to the mournful character of the opening, with the music gradually slowing down and becoming more peaceful. The voices sing in unison, with the melody moving in a stepwise motion. The final words of the text are repeated several times, with the music gradually fading away to a quiet conclusion. Overall, When David Heard is a powerful and emotional work, reflecting the intense grief and sorrow of the biblical text. It is a testament to Weelkes' skill as a composer, and remains a popular work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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