Composer

:

Gwyneth Walker

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1979

Average_duration

:

16:00

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

"Though Love Be a Day" is a choral work composed by Gwyneth Walker in 1991. The piece was premiered by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Concert Choir in the same year. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Though Love Be a Day," is a setting of a poem by e.e. cummings. The music is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody that is passed between the different sections of the choir. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonances that create a sense of tension and release. The text speaks of the fleeting nature of love, and the music captures this sentiment with its constantly shifting harmonies and rhythms. The second movement, "The Sun Has Long Been Set," is a setting of a poem by Robert Bridges. The music is more contemplative than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more sustained harmonies. The melody is carried by the sopranos and altos, while the tenors and basses provide a rich harmonic foundation. The text speaks of the passing of time and the inevitability of death, and the music captures this sentiment with its mournful harmonies and somber mood. The third movement, "The Moon Has Set," is a setting of a poem by Rabindranath Tagore. The music is characterized by a lively, dance-like rhythm and a bright, joyful melody. The text speaks of the beauty of nature and the joy of life, and the music captures this sentiment with its exuberant harmonies and energetic rhythms. The movement ends with a triumphant final chord that brings the piece to a satisfying conclusion. Overall, "Though Love Be a Day" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Gwyneth Walker's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and a deep emotional resonance that speaks to the human experience.

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