Composer

:

Howard Skempton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

2:31

'To Bethlehem did they go' is a choral work composed by Howard Skempton in 1990. The piece was premiered by the BBC Singers in the same year. It is a four-movement work that is based on traditional Christmas texts. The first movement, 'To Bethlehem did they go', is a lively and rhythmic setting of the traditional carol text. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and lively melodies, which give the piece a joyful and celebratory feel. The second movement, 'The Shepherds', is a more reflective and contemplative piece. The music is slower and more atmospheric, with long, sustained chords and a sense of stillness and calm. The text describes the shepherds watching their flocks by night and being visited by the angels, and the music captures the sense of wonder and awe that they must have felt. The third movement, 'The Three Kings', is a more majestic and regal piece. The music is characterized by its use of fanfare-like motifs and grand, sweeping melodies, which evoke the sense of royalty and majesty associated with the three kings. The text describes their journey to Bethlehem and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and the music captures the sense of grandeur and splendor that must have accompanied their arrival. The final movement, 'The Holy Family', is a gentle and tender piece. The music is characterized by its use of soft, delicate harmonies and gentle, flowing melodies, which evoke the sense of peace and serenity that must have surrounded the holy family. The text describes the birth of Jesus and the love and devotion of Mary and Joseph, and the music captures the sense of warmth and intimacy that must have characterized their relationship. Overall, 'To Bethlehem did they go' is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the spirit of Christmas and the wonder and awe of the nativity story. Its use of traditional texts and musical motifs gives it a timeless quality that makes it a beloved piece of Christmas music.

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