Composer

:

Charles Wood

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:19

"As the Moon's Soft Splendour" is a choral work composed by Charles Wood, an Irish composer and teacher. The piece was composed in 1912 and premiered in the same year. It is a four-movement work that is characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and expressive use of text. The first movement, "As the Moon's Soft Splendour," is a setting of a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The music is gentle and flowing, with a sense of calm and serenity that reflects the peacefulness of the moonlit night. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies that add depth and richness to the sound. The second movement, "The Night is Darkening Round Me," is a setting of a poem by Emily Bronte. The music is more dramatic and intense than the first movement, with a sense of foreboding and unease that reflects the darkness of the night. The choir sings in harmony, with dissonant chords that create a sense of tension and conflict. The third movement, "Oft in the Stilly Night," is a setting of a poem by Thomas Moore. The music is gentle and nostalgic, with a sense of longing and sadness that reflects the memories of the past. The choir sings in harmony, with a simple melody that is repeated and varied throughout the movement. The fourth and final movement, "The Moon Has Raised Her Lamp Above," is a setting of a poem by Lord Byron. The music is joyful and celebratory, with a sense of triumph and exultation that reflects the beauty of the moonlit night. The choir sings in harmony, with a lively melody that is accompanied by a rhythmic piano part. Overall, "As the Moon's Soft Splendour" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Charles Wood's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and expressive use of text, and is a testament to the enduring power of choral music.

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