Composer

:

William Schuman

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1958

First Performance

:

Mar 20, 1959

Average_duration

:

10:09

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"Carols of Death" is a choral work composed by William Schuman in 1958. The piece was premiered on December 7, 1958, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. The work is divided into four movements, each of which sets a different poem by Walt Whitman. The first movement, "Come Lovely and Soothing Death," is a somber and contemplative setting of Whitman's poem. The music is slow and mournful, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The second movement, "The Last Invocation," is more dramatic and intense, with the choir singing in a more complex and dissonant harmony. The third movement, "The Unknown Region," is a haunting and ethereal setting of Whitman's poem. The music is slow and atmospheric, with the choir singing in a hushed and reverent tone. The final movement, "To All, To Each," is a triumphant and celebratory setting of Whitman's poem. The music is fast and energetic, with the choir singing in a joyful and exuberant manner. Overall, "Carols of Death" is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of mortality and transcendence. Schuman's music is deeply expressive and evocative, capturing the emotional intensity of Whitman's poetry. The work is a testament to Schuman's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience.

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