Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1911

Average_duration

:

2:14

Ralph Vaughan Williams composed 'The Call' in 1929, and it premiered on October 5th of the same year at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford, England. The piece is a choral work for mixed voices and orchestra, and it is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Call," begins with a solo trumpet fanfare that sets the tone for the entire piece. The choir then enters with a unison chant, which is repeated throughout the movement. The music is characterized by its simple, yet powerful melody and the use of modal harmonies, which give it a medieval feel. The second movement, "The Answer," is a solo aria for baritone accompanied by the orchestra. The text is taken from the poem "The Call" by George Herbert, and it speaks of the soul's response to the call of God. The music is more lyrical and expressive than the first movement, with a soaring melody and lush harmonies. The final movement, "The Reckoning," returns to the choral and orchestral forces of the first movement. The text is taken from the poem "The Call" by John Masefield, and it speaks of the final judgment and the soul's reckoning with God. The music is more dramatic and intense than the previous movements, with driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies that convey a sense of urgency and impending doom. Overall, 'The Call' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer of choral music. Its use of modal harmonies and medieval-inspired melodies give it a timeless quality, while its themes of faith and redemption resonate with audiences of all ages.

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