Composer

:

Judith Weir

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1983

Average_duration

:

8:01

Ascending into Heaven is a choral work composed by Judith Weir in 1999. It was premiered on May 23, 1999, at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England, by the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral, conducted by John Scott. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement, "The Ascension," is based on a text from the Book of Acts and describes the ascension of Jesus into heaven. The second movement, "The Holy Spirit," is based on a text from the Gospel of John and describes the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The third movement, "The Second Coming," is based on a text by William Butler Yeats and describes the end of the world and the second coming of Christ. The piece is characterized by its use of dense harmonies and intricate rhythms. Weir employs a variety of choral techniques, including antiphonal singing, overlapping phrases, and complex polyphony. The music is often dissonant and angular, reflecting the tension and drama of the texts. Despite its modernist tendencies, Ascending into Heaven is also deeply rooted in the choral tradition. Weir draws on the rich history of choral music, incorporating elements of Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, and Anglican hymnody. The result is a work that is both innovative and reverent, pushing the boundaries of contemporary choral music while remaining firmly grounded in the past. Ascending into Heaven is a challenging and rewarding work for both performers and listeners. Its complex textures and intricate harmonies demand careful attention, but the piece rewards those who take the time to explore its depths. With its powerful texts and innovative musical language, Ascending into Heaven is a testament to Judith Weir's skill as a composer and her deep understanding of the choral tradition.

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