Composer

:

John Ireland

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

3:29

'Immortality' is a choral work composed by John Ireland in 1950. It was premiered on 22nd November 1950 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled 'The Eternal', is a slow and contemplative piece that sets the tone for the entire work. The choir sings a text by Emily Bronte, which speaks of the eternal nature of love and the soul. The music is characterized by lush harmonies and a sense of timelessness, with the choir and orchestra blending together seamlessly. The second movement, 'The Spirit of Man', is a more lively and rhythmic piece that features a solo baritone singing a text by Walt Whitman. The music is characterized by a driving rhythm and a sense of energy and vitality, with the choir and orchestra providing a powerful backdrop for the soloist. The final movement, 'The Immortal', is a triumphant and uplifting piece that brings the work to a close. The choir sings a text by Robert Bridges, which speaks of the immortality of the soul and the triumph of life over death. The music is characterized by soaring melodies and grandiose harmonies, with the choir and orchestra building to a powerful climax. Overall, 'Immortality' is a powerful and moving work that showcases John Ireland's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and a sense of timelessness that speaks to the eternal nature of the human spirit.

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