Composer

:

Michael East

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

4:08

When David Heard that Absalon was Slain is a choral work composed by Michael East in the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1600s, although the exact date is unknown. It was first performed in England, likely in a church or cathedral setting. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its use of polyphony and intricate harmonies. The first movement begins with a mournful, slow melody that gradually builds in intensity as the choir sings of David's grief upon hearing of Absalon's death. The second movement is more complex, with multiple vocal parts weaving in and out of each other to create a rich, layered sound. The final movement is the most dramatic, with the choir singing of David's anger and desire for revenge against Absalon's killers. Throughout the piece, East makes use of a variety of musical techniques to convey the emotions of the text. He employs dissonance and chromaticism to create a sense of tension and conflict, while also using moments of consonance and resolution to provide moments of relief and release. The use of polyphony and intricate harmonies also adds to the complexity and emotional depth of the piece. Overall, When David Heard that Absalon was Slain is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases East's skill as a composer. Its use of polyphony and intricate harmonies, combined with its emotional depth and complexity, make it a standout piece in the choral repertoire.

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