Composer

:

Edward Elgar

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1901

Average_duration

:

3:41

'Always and Everywhere' is a composition by the renowned English composer, Sir Edward Elgar. The piece was composed in 1915, during the First World War, and was dedicated to the composer's wife, Alice. It was premiered on 22nd November 1915, at a concert in aid of the Red Cross, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The composition is a part of a larger work, titled 'The Spirit of England', which was composed by Elgar during the war years. 'The Spirit of England' is a choral work, consisting of three movements, and 'Always and Everywhere' is the second movement of the piece. The movement is characterized by its poignant and melancholic melody, which is carried by the choir. The lyrics, written by the poet Laurence Binyon, are a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the war. The opening lines of the movement, "Always and everywhere, the voice of the dead," set the tone for the rest of the piece. The movement is scored for a large choir, accompanied by a full orchestra. The orchestration is rich and complex, with Elgar using a variety of instruments to create a somber and reflective atmosphere. The movement begins with a mournful introduction, played by the orchestra, before the choir enters with the first verse. The melody is simple and haunting, with Elgar using subtle shifts in harmony and dynamics to create a sense of tension and release. The choir sings the lyrics with great emotion, conveying the sadness and loss felt by those left behind after the war. The movement ends with a powerful climax, as the choir sings the final lines, "Always and everywhere, the voice of the dead." The orchestra joins in, creating a dramatic and moving conclusion to the piece. 'Always and Everywhere' is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the First World War. Elgar's masterful composition and orchestration, combined with Binyon's powerful lyrics, make it a timeless and enduring work of art.

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