Composer

:

Nico Muhly

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2003

Average_duration

:

4:01

"Set Me as a Seal" is a choral work composed by Nico Muhly in 2003. The piece was premiered in the same year by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under the direction of Stephen Layton. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its unique musical style and emotional intensity. The first movement, "Set Me as a Seal," is a setting of text from the Song of Solomon. The music is slow and contemplative, with long, sustained chords and a sense of yearning. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, creating a sense of unity and intimacy. The second movement, "The Bridegroom," is a setting of a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with a sense of urgency and excitement. The choir sings in harmony, with overlapping lines and complex textures. The final movement, "The Beloved," is a setting of a poem by W.H. Auden. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of loss and longing. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, creating a sense of unity and shared grief. Throughout the piece, Muhly's use of harmony and texture creates a sense of depth and complexity. The music is often dissonant, with unexpected chord progressions and unusual harmonies. The choir's vocal lines are often intricate and overlapping, creating a sense of complexity and richness. Overall, "Set Me as a Seal" is a powerful and emotional work that explores themes of love, loss, and longing. Muhly's use of text and music creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the choir and the listener, making it a deeply moving and memorable piece of choral music.

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