Composer

:

Morten Lauridsen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:31

Sure on This Shining Night is a choral composition by Morten Lauridsen, an American composer and professor of composition at the University of Southern California. The piece was composed in 2005 and premiered on May 22, 2005, by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon. The composition is a setting of a poem by James Agee, which was originally published in his collection of poems, Permit Me Voyage, in 1934. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of the night and the joy of being alive. Lauridsen's setting captures the essence of the poem with its lush harmonies and soaring melodies. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement is marked "Moderato," and it begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos. The other voices gradually join in, creating a rich, full sound. The harmonies are lush and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. The second movement is marked "Adagio," and it is the emotional heart of the piece. The melody is simple and poignant, with long, sustained notes in the sopranos and altos. The harmonies are more dissonant than in the first movement, creating a sense of tension and longing. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective ending. The final movement is marked "Moderato e maestoso," and it is a joyful celebration of life. The melody is upbeat and energetic, with a driving rhythm in the lower voices. The harmonies are bright and colorful, with frequent use of major chords and open fifths. The movement ends with a triumphant, exultant cadence. Overall, Sure on This Shining Night is a beautiful and moving composition that showcases Lauridsen's skill as a composer. The lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and emotional depth of the piece make it a favorite of choirs and audiences alike.

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