Composer

:

Harry Somers

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1962

Average_duration

:

3:14

"God the Master of this Scene" is a choral work composed by Harry Somers in 1967. The piece was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to commemorate the centennial of Canadian Confederation. It premiered on July 1, 1967, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada, as part of the CBC's Canada Day celebrations. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a text by a Canadian poet. The first movement, "The Land," is based on a poem by E.J. Pratt and celebrates the natural beauty of Canada. The second movement, "The People," is based on a poem by Al Purdy and pays tribute to the diversity of the Canadian people. The final movement, "The Future," is based on a poem by Margaret Atwood and looks forward to the possibilities of the future. The music of "God the Master of this Scene" is characterized by its use of choral harmonies and intricate rhythms. Somers employs a variety of choral techniques, including unison singing, polyphony, and homophony, to create a rich and complex sound. The piece also features a prominent role for the piano, which provides a rhythmic foundation for the choir. Overall, "God the Master of this Scene" is a powerful and moving tribute to Canada and its people. Through its use of poetry and music, the piece captures the essence of the Canadian experience and celebrates the country's natural beauty, cultural diversity, and potential for the future.

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