Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1914

Average_duration

:

15:55

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Ralph Vaughan Williams' 'Hymns (4)' is a choral work composed in 1914. It was premiered on October 22, 1914, at the Royal College of Music in London. The piece consists of four movements, each based on a different hymn. The first movement, "Come Down, O Love Divine," is a setting of the hymn by Bianco da Siena. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the soprano and alto voices, which is then taken up by the tenors and basses. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in unison before breaking into four-part harmony. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful coda. The second movement, "All People That on Earth Do Dwell," is a setting of the hymn by William Kethe. It begins with a majestic fanfare in the brass and organ, followed by a lively melody in the choir. The music alternates between sections of four-part harmony and unison singing, with the choir and organ trading off melodic lines. The movement ends with a triumphant reprise of the opening fanfare. The third movement, "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," is a setting of the hymn by Isaac Watts. It begins with a solemn, stately melody in the choir, accompanied by the organ. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in four-part harmony and the organ providing a rich, full accompaniment. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective coda. The fourth and final movement, "For All the Saints," is a setting of the hymn by William Walsham How. It begins with a lively, energetic melody in the choir, accompanied by the organ. The music alternates between sections of four-part harmony and unison singing, with the choir and organ trading off melodic lines. The movement ends with a triumphant reprise of the opening melody. Overall, 'Hymns (4)' is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer. The music is rich and complex, with intricate harmonies and soaring melodies that are sure to inspire and uplift listeners.

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