Composer

:

Edgar Leslie Bainton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

ca. 1925

Average_duration

:

5:24

"And I Saw a New Heaven" is a choral work composed by Edgar Leslie Bainton in 1913. It was premiered in the same year at the Royal College of Music in London. The piece is a setting of the text from the Book of Revelation, chapter 21, verses 1-4, which describes the vision of a new heaven and a new earth. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a gentle and peaceful choral introduction, which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The choir sings the opening words of the text, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth," in a soft and delicate manner. The music gradually builds in intensity as the choir sings about the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending from heaven. The second movement is more dramatic and intense than the first. The choir sings about the voice of God declaring that he will dwell with his people and that he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. The music is powerful and emotional, with the choir singing in unison to create a sense of unity and strength. The final movement is a return to the peaceful and gentle mood of the first. The choir sings about the absence of pain and sorrow in the new heaven and earth, and the music reflects this with its calm and serene melodies. The piece ends with a final affirmation of faith, as the choir sings, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." The characteristics of "And I Saw a New Heaven" are typical of Bainton's style, which is characterized by its lyricism, harmonic richness, and use of choral textures. The piece is a beautiful and moving setting of the text from the Book of Revelation, and it has become a popular choice for choirs around the world.

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