Composer

:

Eric Whitacre

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2011

First Performance

:

June 25, 2011

Average_duration

:

9:02

'Alleluia' is a choral composition by Eric Whitacre, an American composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1999 and premiered in the same year by the Brigham Young University Singers. It is a single-movement work that lasts for approximately six minutes. The piece is characterized by its use of dense harmonies and rich textures, which are typical of Whitacre's style. The piece is written for a four-part choir, with each part singing different lines that interweave to create a complex and intricate sound. The piece is also notable for its use of dissonance, which creates tension and adds to the emotional impact of the music. 'Alleluia' begins with a slow and solemn introduction, with the choir singing a series of sustained chords that gradually build in intensity. The tempo then picks up, and the choir begins to sing a series of fast-moving lines that are full of energy and excitement. The piece then alternates between these two contrasting sections, with the slow and solemn sections providing a sense of calm and introspection, while the fast and energetic sections are full of joy and exuberance. The piece is notable for its use of wordless vocals, with the choir singing a series of "ah" and "ooh" sounds that add to the overall texture of the music. The piece also features a number of dynamic changes, with the choir moving from soft and gentle singing to loud and powerful singing, creating a sense of drama and intensity. Overall, 'Alleluia' is a powerful and emotional piece of music that showcases Whitacre's unique style and approach to choral composition. Its use of dense harmonies, rich textures, and dynamic changes make it a challenging and rewarding piece for choirs to perform, and it has become a popular choice for choral groups around the world.

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