Composer

:

Philip Stopford

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:28

'Come down O love divine' is a choral anthem composed by Philip Stopford, a British composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 2003 and premiered in the same year. It is a four-movement piece that is characterized by its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and expressive dynamics. The first movement of the piece begins with a gentle and flowing melody that is sung by the choir in unison. The harmonies gradually build as the piece progresses, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The movement is characterized by its use of suspensions and dissonances, which create a sense of tension and release. The second movement of the piece is a solo for soprano or tenor. It is a lyrical and expressive melody that is accompanied by the choir singing in soft and gentle harmonies. The movement is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and its expressive dynamics. The third movement of the piece is a choral fugue. It begins with a simple melody that is sung by the choir in unison. The melody is then repeated by different sections of the choir, with each section adding its own harmonies and counterpoint. The movement is characterized by its complex harmonies and its use of imitative polyphony. The final movement of the piece is a reprise of the first movement. It begins with the same gentle and flowing melody, but this time it is sung by the choir in four-part harmony. The harmonies gradually build as the piece progresses, with the choir singing in rich and full harmonies. The movement is characterized by its use of suspensions and dissonances, which create a sense of tension and release. Overall, 'Come down O love divine' is a beautiful and expressive choral anthem that showcases Philip Stopford's skill as a composer. Its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and expressive dynamics make it a popular choice for choirs around the world.

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