Composer

:

William Hawley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1995

"Beautiful River" is a choral work composed by William Hawley in 2002. The piece was premiered by the Los Angeles Master Chorale in the same year. It is a four-movement work that features a mix of traditional and contemporary choral techniques. The first movement, "Beautiful River," is a setting of the traditional spiritual "Shall We Gather at the River." Hawley's arrangement features lush harmonies and a flowing, almost hymn-like melody. The second movement, "The River of Life," is an original composition that explores the metaphor of the river as a symbol of life. The music is more modern in style, with dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms. The third movement, "The River of Death," is another original composition that uses the river as a metaphor for the journey towards death. The music is haunting and ethereal, with a sense of inevitability and finality. The final movement, "The River of Love," is a setting of the traditional hymn "Deep River." Hawley's arrangement is lush and romantic, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. Overall, "Beautiful River" is a powerful and moving work that explores the many facets of the river as a symbol of life, death, and love. Hawley's use of traditional and contemporary choral techniques creates a unique and compelling sound that is both timeless and modern.

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