Composer

:

Bo Holten

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

3:56

"Nowell sing we now" is a choral work composed by Bo Holten, a Danish composer, conductor, and musicologist. The piece was composed in 1993 and premiered the same year in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a four-movement work that is approximately 15 minutes in length. The first movement, "Nowell sing we now," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the traditional English carol "The First Nowell." The choir sings the melody in unison, with the accompaniment providing a driving rhythm. The movement ends with a joyful "Gloria in excelsis Deo." The second movement, "The Holly and the Ivy," is a more contemplative setting of the traditional English carol. The choir sings the melody in a gentle, flowing manner, with the accompaniment providing a delicate, shimmering texture. The movement ends with a peaceful "Alleluia." The third movement, "The Coventry Carol," is a haunting setting of the traditional English carol. The choir sings the melody in a mournful, chant-like manner, with the accompaniment providing a sparse, atmospheric texture. The movement ends with a somber "Lullay, thou little tiny child." The fourth and final movement, "Personent hodie," is a lively setting of the traditional Latin carol. The choir sings the melody in unison, with the accompaniment providing a festive, rhythmic texture. The movement ends with a triumphant "Gloria in excelsis Deo." Overall, "Nowell sing we now" is a beautiful and varied choral work that showcases Holten's skill as a composer. The piece combines traditional carols with Holten's own unique musical language, resulting in a work that is both familiar and fresh. The work is suitable for performance by choirs of all levels, and is sure to delight audiences with its joyful and contemplative moments.

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