Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1910

Publication Date

:

1922

Average_duration

:

1:18

Religion, S. 331 is a choral work composed by Charles Ives in 1913. It was premiered in 1914 by the choir of the First Presbyterian Church in New Haven, Connecticut. The piece is divided into four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "A Christmas Carol," is a setting of the traditional carol "Joy to the World." Ives' arrangement is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which give the familiar tune a new and unexpected sound. The second movement, "The Greatest Man," is a setting of a poem by John Oxenham. The text praises Jesus Christ as the greatest man who ever lived, and Ives' music reflects this sentiment with its grand and majestic tone. The third movement, "The Circus Band," is a setting of a poem by Ives himself. The text describes the joy and excitement of hearing a circus band play, and Ives' music captures this feeling with its lively and energetic rhythms. The final movement, "Old Folks Gatherin'," is a setting of a traditional folk tune. Ives' arrangement is characterized by its use of polyphony, with different parts of the choir singing different melodies at the same time. This creates a rich and complex texture that reflects the communal spirit of the folk gathering. Overall, Religion, S. 331 is a unique and innovative choral work that showcases Ives' unconventional approach to harmony and melody. Its use of traditional texts and tunes, combined with Ives' modernist sensibilities, make it a fascinating and rewarding piece for both performers and listeners.

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