Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:58

"King David for voice & piano" is a composition by Herbert Howells, a British composer known for his choral and organ works. The piece was composed in 1919 and premiered in the same year. It consists of three movements and is approximately 15 minutes in length. The first movement, "David's Lament for Jonathan," is a mournful and introspective piece that showcases Howells' skill in setting text to music. The text is taken from the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel and describes David's grief over the death of his friend Jonathan. The music is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement, "David's Vision of the Ark," is a more upbeat and celebratory piece that depicts David's vision of the Ark of the Covenant. The text is taken from the book of Psalms and describes David's joy at the sight of the Ark. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and rhythmic complexity, which create a sense of excitement and energy. The third and final movement, "David's Dance before the Ark," is a lively and rhythmic piece that depicts David's dance before the Ark of the Covenant. The text is taken from the book of 2 Samuel and describes David's exuberant dance as he celebrates the return of the Ark to Jerusalem. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular meters, which create a sense of joy and celebration. Overall, "King David for voice & piano" is a masterful work that showcases Howells' skill in setting text to music and his ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions through his use of harmony, rhythm, and melody. It remains a popular work in the repertoire of vocal music and is frequently performed in recitals and concerts.

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