Composer

:

Dominick Argento

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

33:03

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

In Praise of Music is a choral work composed by Dominick Argento in 1997. It was premiered on May 3, 1998, by the Dale Warland Singers at the Ordway Music Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota. The work is divided into six movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "In Praise of Music," is a joyful celebration of the power of music. The choir sings in unison, with the melody passed from section to section. The movement is characterized by its bright, energetic tempo and the use of syncopated rhythms. The second movement, "The Singer," is a solo for soprano. The text is taken from a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay and describes the experience of singing. The music is slow and contemplative, with long, flowing phrases that reflect the beauty of the text. The third movement, "The Dancer," is a solo for mezzo-soprano. The text is taken from a poem by William Butler Yeats and describes the experience of dancing. The music is lively and rhythmic, with a driving beat that reflects the energy of the dance. The fourth movement, "The Player," is a solo for tenor. The text is taken from a poem by William Shakespeare and describes the experience of playing music. The music is fast and virtuosic, with intricate runs and arpeggios that reflect the skill of the player. The fifth movement, "The Listener," is a solo for baritone. The text is taken from a poem by Walter de la Mare and describes the experience of listening to music. The music is slow and contemplative, with long, sustained notes that reflect the beauty of the text. The final movement, "In Praise of Music (reprise)," is a restatement of the opening movement. The choir sings in unison, with the melody passed from section to section. The movement is characterized by its bright, energetic tempo and the use of syncopated rhythms. Overall, In Praise of Music is a celebration of the power of music and the different ways in which it can be experienced. The work showcases Argento's skill as a composer, with each movement featuring a different vocal soloist and a unique musical style.

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