Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1894

Publication Date

:

1974

First Performance

:

Oct 18, 1974

Average_duration

:

4:15

"Crossing the Bar, S. 164" is a choral work composed by Charles Ives in 1921. The piece is based on the poem of the same name by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which reflects on the inevitability of death and the hope of an afterlife. The work was premiered in 1923 by the New York Oratorio Society. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and features a somber, mournful melody in the choir. The second movement, marked "Allegro moderato," is more upbeat and hopeful, with a lively melody and a sense of forward motion. The final movement, marked "Adagio," returns to the somber mood of the first movement, with a slow, mournful melody that gradually fades away. One of the most striking characteristics of "Crossing the Bar" is Ives' use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. The piece is full of unexpected chord progressions and clashes between different parts of the choir, creating a sense of tension and unease that reflects the poem's themes of uncertainty and transition. Overall, "Crossing the Bar" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Ives' unique approach to choral composition. Its combination of traditional choral techniques with avant-garde harmonies and dissonances creates a haunting and unforgettable musical experience.

More....