Composer

:

Charles Wood

Average_duration

:

3:29

"Clear midnight" is a choral work composed by Charles Wood, an Irish composer and teacher. The piece was composed in 1917 and premiered in the same year. It is a setting of a poem by Walt Whitman, which is part of his collection "Leaves of Grass." The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem. The first movement is marked "Moderato," and it begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos. The other voices gradually join in, creating a rich, harmonious texture. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective ending. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato," and it is more energetic than the first. The music is characterized by a lively, syncopated rhythm, which is contrasted with more lyrical passages. The choir sings the words "Clear midnight" repeatedly, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The final movement is marked "Andante," and it is the most contemplative of the three. The music is slow and meditative, with long, sustained notes in the lower voices. The sopranos sing a soaring melody over the top, creating a sense of transcendence and spiritual uplift. Overall, "Clear midnight" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music. Wood's setting of Whitman's poem captures the sense of wonder and awe that is at the heart of the text. The music is characterized by lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and a sense of spiritual transcendence. It is a testament to Wood's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the soul.

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