Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

3:13

'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, Op. 35' is a choral work composed by Gerald Finzi in 1941. The piece is based on the book of the same name by James Agee and features text from the book as well as from the Book of Ecclesiasticus. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, titled "The Valley of Vision," is a setting of text from the Book of Ecclesiasticus. The music is slow and contemplative, with a sense of reverence and awe. The choir sings in unison, creating a sense of unity and solidarity. The movement builds to a climax with the words "He that hath mercy on the poor lendeth unto the Lord," before resolving into a peaceful conclusion. The second movement, titled "Prothalamion," is a setting of text from Agee's book. The music is more lively and upbeat, with a sense of celebration and joy. The choir sings in harmony, with a sense of exuberance and energy. The movement features a solo soprano voice, which soars above the choir, adding a sense of brightness and lightness to the music. The final movement, titled "The Land of Lost Content," is a setting of more text from Agee's book. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of sadness and loss. The choir sings in harmony, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The movement features a solo tenor voice, which adds a sense of depth and emotion to the music. The movement builds to a climax with the words "Let us now praise famous men," before resolving into a peaceful conclusion. Overall, 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, Op. 35' is a powerful and moving work, which captures the spirit of Agee's book and the struggles of the people it portrays. The music is rich and complex, with a sense of depth and emotion that is both haunting and beautiful. The work premiered in 1942 and has since become a beloved part of the choral repertoire.

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