Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1964 - 1965

Average_duration

:

12:53

William Walton's "The Twelve" is a choral work composed in 1965. It was premiered on July 1, 1965, at the Worcester Three Choirs Festival in England. The piece is divided into twelve movements, each based on a different text from the Bible. The first movement, "Judas," is a dramatic and intense setting of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The second movement, "Peter," is a more reflective piece that focuses on Peter's denial of Jesus. The third movement, "Pilate," is a haunting and atmospheric setting of Pilate's interrogation of Jesus. The fourth movement, "The Soldiers," is a lively and rhythmic piece that depicts the soldiers who crucified Jesus. The fifth movement, "The Women of Jerusalem," is a mournful and lyrical setting of the women who wept for Jesus on his way to the cross. The sixth movement, "Veronica," is a gentle and contemplative piece that tells the story of Veronica, who wiped Jesus' face with a cloth. The seventh movement, "The Centurion," is a powerful and dramatic setting of the centurion who declared Jesus to be the Son of God. The eighth movement, "Simon of Cyrene," is a rhythmic and energetic piece that tells the story of Simon, who helped Jesus carry the cross. The ninth movement, "The Crucifixion," is a solemn and majestic setting of the crucifixion itself. The tenth movement, "The Reproaches," is a haunting and mournful piece that sets the text of the reproaches that Jesus made to his people. The eleventh movement, "The Resurrection," is a joyful and triumphant setting of the resurrection of Jesus. The final movement, "All the Ends of the Earth," is a celebratory and exultant piece that sets the text of Psalm 98. It brings the work to a rousing and uplifting conclusion. Overall, "The Twelve" is a powerful and moving work that explores the themes of betrayal, suffering, and redemption. It showcases Walton's skill as a composer of choral music, with its rich harmonies, dramatic contrasts, and expressive melodies.

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