Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1992

Average_duration

:

60:59

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

"We shall see him as he is" is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 1988. The piece was premiered on October 15, 1988, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of the BBC Proms. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement, "We shall see him as he is," is a setting of a text from the First Epistle of John. The music is slow and meditative, with long, sustained chords and a simple, chant-like melody. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, creating a sense of unity and contemplation. The second movement, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God," is a setting of a text from the same epistle. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with a driving pulse and complex harmonies. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with each voice part weaving in and out of the texture. The third movement, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth," is a setting of a text from the Book of Revelation. The music is grand and majestic, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. The choir sings in eight-part harmony, with the voices divided into two choirs that echo and respond to each other. Throughout the work, Tavener's use of harmony and texture creates a sense of otherworldliness and transcendence. The music is often slow and meditative, with long, sustained chords that create a sense of timelessness. The choir's use of unison and harmony creates a sense of unity and community, while the complex harmonies and counterpoint create a sense of depth and complexity. Overall, "We shall see him as he is" is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of faith, transcendence, and the afterlife. Tavener's use of harmony, texture, and melody creates a sense of otherworldliness and transcendence that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.

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