Composer

:

Eriks Esenvalds

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2016

Average_duration

:

04:46

"Translation" is a choral work composed by Eriks Esenvalds in 2011. It was premiered on November 12, 2011, by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, conducted by Stephen Layton. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Only in Sleep," is a setting of a Latvian folk song. The piece begins with a solo soprano voice, which is then joined by the choir. The music is characterized by its hauntingly beautiful melody and lush harmonies. The text speaks of a dream in which the speaker is transported back to their childhood home, where they are reunited with loved ones who have passed away. The music captures the bittersweet nostalgia of the text, with moments of both joy and sadness. The second movement, "Stars," is a setting of a poem by Sara Teasdale. The music is characterized by its shimmering, ethereal quality, which evokes the twinkling of stars in the night sky. The choir sings in a hushed, almost whispered tone, creating a sense of intimacy and wonder. The text speaks of the beauty and mystery of the universe, and the music captures this sense of awe and wonder. The final movement, "Translation," is a setting of a poem by the composer himself. The music is characterized by its driving rhythm and energetic, syncopated melodies. The text speaks of the power of music to transcend language and cultural barriers, and the music captures this sense of universality and connection. The choir sings in a variety of languages, including English, Latin, and Latvian, creating a sense of global unity. Overall, "Translation" is a stunning work of choral music that showcases Esenvalds' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, shimmering textures, and evocative melodies, which combine to create a sense of beauty, wonder, and connection.

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