Composer

:

Jonathan Harvey

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1984

Average_duration

:

7:02

'Come Holy Ghost' is a plainsong hymn composed by Jonathan Harvey in 1984. The piece was premiered on June 17, 1984, at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England. The hymn is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is marked "slow and sustained," and features a simple, yet powerful melody sung by the choir. The harmonies are sparse, allowing the melody to shine through. The movement builds in intensity as the choir repeats the phrase "Come Holy Ghost" with increasing fervor. The second movement is marked "fast and rhythmic," and features a lively, dance-like melody. The choir sings in unison, creating a sense of unity and energy. The harmonies are more complex in this movement, with dissonant chords adding tension and excitement. The final movement is marked "slow and sustained," and returns to the simple melody of the first movement. However, the harmonies are more complex, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The movement builds to a powerful climax as the choir repeats the phrase "Come Holy Ghost" with increasing intensity. Overall, 'Come Holy Ghost' is a beautiful and powerful piece of music. Harvey's use of plainsong melodies and complex harmonies creates a sense of both simplicity and complexity, making the piece accessible to a wide range of listeners. The three movements work together to create a sense of progression and development, with each movement building on the previous one. The piece is a testament to Harvey's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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