Composer

:

George Benjamin

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

10:31

'Upon Silence' is a contemporary classical composition by British composer George Benjamin. It was composed in 1990 and premiered on 17th October of the same year at the Wigmore Hall in London. The piece is written for mezzo-soprano and five viols, and is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled 'Upon Silence', is a setting of a poem by John Keats. The mezzo-soprano sings the poem's text, while the viols provide a delicate and intricate accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere, with the viols creating a shimmering, almost mystical sound. The second movement, 'Antique', is a setting of a poem by Emily Dickinson. The mezzo-soprano sings the poem's text, which describes an ancient statue, while the viols provide a more rhythmic and pulsating accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its sense of mystery and intrigue, with the viols creating a sense of tension and anticipation. The final movement, 'Total Eclipse', is a setting of a poem by John Dryden. The mezzo-soprano sings the poem's text, which describes a solar eclipse, while the viols provide a more dissonant and unsettling accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its sense of darkness and foreboding, with the viols creating a sense of unease and tension. Overall, 'Upon Silence' is a haunting and evocative piece of music, which showcases George Benjamin's skill as a composer. The combination of the mezzo-soprano and viols creates a unique and distinctive sound, which is both beautiful and unsettling. The piece is a testament to Benjamin's ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

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