Composer

:

Charles Wood

Compose Date

:

1891

Average_duration

:

1:47

'Full Fathom Five' is a choral work composed by Charles Wood, an Irish composer and teacher. The piece was composed in 1910 and premiered in the same year. It is a setting of a text from William Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest'. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked 'Allegro moderato' and is in 4/4 time. It begins with a unison statement of the opening phrase, 'Full fathom five thy father lies'. The melody is then passed between the different voice parts, with the harmony gradually becoming more complex. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective section. The second movement is marked 'Andante con moto' and is in 3/4 time. It begins with a solo soprano singing the line 'Of his bones are coral made'. The other voices then join in, with the melody moving between the different parts. The movement is more lyrical and flowing than the first, with a sense of gentle movement and ebb and flow. The final movement is marked 'Allegro vivace' and is in 6/8 time. It begins with a lively, rhythmic section, with the voices singing 'Nothing of him that doth fade'. The melody is again passed between the different parts, with the harmony becoming more complex as the movement progresses. The piece ends with a triumphant, joyful section. Overall, 'Full Fathom Five' is a beautiful and evocative choral work. Wood's setting of Shakespeare's text is sensitive and nuanced, with the music perfectly capturing the mood and meaning of the words. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, flowing melodies, and rhythmic vitality, making it a joy to listen to and perform.

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