Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

7:19

"Praise We Great Men" is a choral work composed by Benjamin Britten in 1942. It was premiered on July 12, 1942, at the Aldeburgh Festival in Suffolk, England. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Praise We Great Men," is a setting of a text by Christopher Smart. It is a joyful and celebratory piece, with a lively tempo and bright harmonies. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The text praises great men of the past, including kings, prophets, and poets, and encourages listeners to follow in their footsteps. The second movement, "The Sun Is Rising," is a setting of a text by Wilfred Owen. It is a more somber and reflective piece, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with occasional dissonances and suspensions. The text describes the dawn of a new day, but also acknowledges the pain and suffering of war. The third movement, "The Heart of the Matter," is a setting of a text by W.H. Auden. It is a more introspective and philosophical piece, with a moderate tempo and intricate harmonies. The choir sings in six-part harmony, with frequent changes in texture and dynamics. The text explores the nature of love and the human condition, and encourages listeners to embrace life and live fully. Overall, "Praise We Great Men" is a complex and multi-layered work, showcasing Britten's skill as a composer and his ability to set a variety of texts to music. It is a powerful and moving piece, with a range of emotions and moods, and remains a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike.

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