Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Herbert Howells' 'Preces and Responses for chorus & organ, Nos 1 & 2' is a choral work that was composed in 1950. The piece was premiered in the same year at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The work is divided into two movements, each of which is a set of preces and responses. The first movement of the work is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and complex textures. The preces and responses are sung by the choir in a call-and-response style, with the organ providing a rich harmonic backdrop. The music is marked by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and drama. The second movement of the work is more subdued than the first. The preces and responses are sung in a more straightforward manner, with the choir and organ working together to create a sense of calm and tranquility. The harmonies are simpler and more diatonic than in the first movement, and the music is marked by its use of long, sustained notes and gentle, flowing melodies. Overall, 'Preces and Responses for chorus & organ, Nos 1 & 2' is a beautiful and complex choral work that showcases Howells' mastery of harmony and texture. The piece is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both dramatic and serene.

More....