Composer

:

Randall Thompson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1935

Average_duration

:

20:08

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Randall Thompson's "The Peaceable Kingdom" is a choral work that was composed in 1936. It was premiered on December 8, 1936, by the Westminster Choir under the direction of John Finley Williamson. The piece is based on the text from the book of Isaiah in the Bible, which describes a vision of a peaceful kingdom where predators and prey coexist in harmony. The work is divided into eight movements, each of which is based on a different passage from the book of Isaiah. The first movement, "Say ye to the righteous," sets the tone for the piece with a joyful and celebratory opening. The second movement, "Woe unto them," is more ominous and foreboding, warning of the consequences of sin and disobedience. The third movement, "The noise of a multitude," is a lively and energetic piece that describes the coming of the Lord. The fourth movement, "Howl ye," is a mournful and lamenting piece that describes the destruction of the wicked. The fifth movement, "The paper reeds by the brooks," is a peaceful and serene piece that describes the harmony of nature in the peaceable kingdom. The sixth movement, "But these are they," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that describes the righteous who will inherit the kingdom. The seventh movement, "Have ye not known," is a contemplative and introspective piece that asks the listener to reflect on their own actions and beliefs. The final movement, "Ye shall have a song," is a joyful and celebratory piece that brings the work to a close with a message of hope and redemption. The characteristics of "The Peaceable Kingdom" are its use of lush harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and dynamic contrasts. The work is also notable for its use of text painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the words. For example, the mournful and lamenting tone of "Howl ye" reflects the destruction of the wicked, while the peaceful and serene tone of "The paper reeds by the brooks" reflects the harmony of nature in the peaceable kingdom. Overall, "The Peaceable Kingdom" is a powerful and moving work that reflects Thompson's deep faith and belief in the power of music to convey a message of hope and redemption.

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