Composer

:

Stephen Chatman

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1999

Average_duration

:

3:54

"Reconciliation" is a choral work composed by Stephen Chatman, a Canadian composer, in 2017. The piece was premiered on November 11, 2017, by the Vancouver Chamber Choir, conducted by Jon Washburn, at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver, Canada. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Reconciliation," is a setting of a poem by Joy Harjo, a Native American poet. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The text speaks of the need for reconciliation between different cultures and peoples, and the music reflects this message with its peaceful and harmonious sound. The second movement, "The Gift," is a setting of a poem by Canadian poet George Elliott Clarke. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with the choir singing in a call-and-response style. The text speaks of the gift of forgiveness, and the music reflects this message with its joyful and celebratory sound. The final movement, "The Road," is a setting of a poem by Canadian poet Lorna Crozier. The music is more contemplative than the previous movements, with the choir singing in a slow and mournful style. The text speaks of the difficult journey towards reconciliation, and the music reflects this message with its somber and reflective sound. Overall, "Reconciliation" is a powerful and moving work that speaks to the need for reconciliation between different cultures and peoples. The music is characterized by its peaceful, joyful, and contemplative sound, reflecting the different emotions and messages of the three movements.

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