Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

2:01

John Tavener's "O, do not move" is a choral work that was composed in 1997. It was premiered on October 18, 1997, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, by the BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Davis. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and musical style. The first movement, "O, do not move," is a slow and meditative piece that features a simple melody sung by the choir. The second movement, "The Lord is my shepherd," is a more upbeat and joyful piece that features a solo soprano singing the famous psalm. The final movement, "Alleluia," is a celebratory piece that features the choir singing the word "alleluia" in a variety of different ways. One of the most striking characteristics of "O, do not move" is its use of silence. Throughout the piece, Tavener employs long pauses and moments of stillness, which serve to heighten the impact of the music when it does occur. This technique is particularly effective in the first movement, where the choir's simple melody is punctuated by long periods of silence. Another notable characteristic of the piece is its use of repetition. Tavener often repeats phrases and musical motifs, creating a sense of continuity and unity throughout the work. This is particularly evident in the final movement, where the choir repeats the word "alleluia" over and over again, building to a powerful climax. Overall, "O, do not move" is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply spiritual work that showcases Tavener's unique musical style. Its use of silence and repetition, combined with its simple yet powerful melodies, make it a truly memorable piece of choral music.

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