Composer

:

Judith Bingham

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:43

Judith Bingham's 'The Drowned Lovers' is a choral work that was composed in 1998. It was premiered by the BBC Singers in the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a distinct musical style and mood. The first movement, 'The Drowned Lovers', is a haunting and atmospheric setting of a traditional Scottish ballad. The music is slow and mournful, with the choir singing in unison to create a sense of unity and solidarity. The lyrics tell the story of two lovers who drown in a river, and the music captures the sense of tragedy and loss that pervades the ballad. The second movement, 'The Water Mill', is a lively and rhythmic setting of a poem by Sarah Teasdale. The music is upbeat and energetic, with the choir singing in harmony to create a sense of joy and celebration. The lyrics describe the sound of a water mill, and the music captures the sense of movement and vitality that is associated with this image. The third movement, 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree', is a peaceful and contemplative setting of a poem by W.B. Yeats. The music is slow and meditative, with the choir singing in harmony to create a sense of tranquility and serenity. The lyrics describe a peaceful island where the speaker can escape from the noise and chaos of the world, and the music captures the sense of calm and stillness that is associated with this image. Overall, 'The Drowned Lovers' is a powerful and evocative choral work that showcases Judith Bingham's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by a range of musical styles and moods, from the mournful and atmospheric to the lively and celebratory. Through its use of poetry and music, 'The Drowned Lovers' explores themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world.

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