Composer

:

Aaron Jay Kernis

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1998

Average_duration

:

3:40

"I Cannot Dance, O Lord" is a choral work composed by Aaron Jay Kernis in 1993. The piece was premiered on April 17, 1994, by the Dale Warland Singers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "I Cannot Dance, O Lord," is a setting of a text by Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening lines of the poem, "I cannot dance, O Lord, unless you lead me." The choir then enters, singing in a gentle, flowing style that reflects the poem's theme of surrendering oneself to a higher power. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing the words "I surrender," before ending in a peaceful, meditative mood. The second movement, "The Lord is My Shepherd," is a setting of the 23rd Psalm. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening lines of the psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." The choir then enters, singing in a more robust, joyful style that reflects the psalm's theme of trust in God's provision. The movement features a number of dynamic contrasts, with the choir alternating between loud, exultant passages and quieter, more introspective moments. The final movement, "The Call," is a setting of a text by George Herbert, a 17th-century English poet. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening lines of the poem, "Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life." The choir then enters, singing in a more urgent, passionate style that reflects the poem's theme of seeking a deeper connection with God. The movement features a number of complex harmonies and rhythmic patterns, with the choir building to a powerful climax before ending in a quiet, contemplative mood. Overall, "I Cannot Dance, O Lord" is a deeply spiritual work that explores themes of surrender, trust, and seeking a deeper connection with God. Kernis's use of solo voices, complex harmonies, and dynamic contrasts creates a rich, multi-layered sound that is both uplifting and introspective. The work has become a popular choice for choral groups around the world, and continues to be performed and admired by audiences and critics alike.

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