Composer

:

Stephen Paulus

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1991 - 1992

First Performance

:

Apr 27, 1992

Average_duration

:

10:42

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

'Songs of Love and Longing' is a choral work composed by Stephen Paulus in 2006. The piece was premiered on May 6, 2006, by the Dale Warland Singers at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The work consists of five movements, each with its own unique character and theme. The first movement, "The Road Home," is a setting of a poem by Michael Dennis Browne. It is a gentle and reflective piece that evokes feelings of nostalgia and longing. The second movement, "The Old Church," is a setting of a poem by Stephen Paulus himself. It is a more upbeat and joyful piece that celebrates the beauty of a small country church. The third movement, "The Day is Done," is a setting of a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It is a somber and reflective piece that contemplates the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The fourth movement, "The Lotus Lovers," is a setting of a poem by Rabindranath Tagore. It is a lush and romantic piece that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of love. The final movement, "The Road Not Taken," is a setting of a poem by Robert Frost. It is a hopeful and optimistic piece that encourages listeners to take risks and follow their dreams. Throughout the work, Paulus employs lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate counterpoint to create a rich and complex tapestry of sound. Overall, 'Songs of Love and Longing' is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Paulus's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the full range of human emotion in music. It is a testament to the power of choral music to inspire and uplift listeners, and it remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

More....