Composer

:

Stephen Chatman

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:02

"You Have Ravished My Heart" is a choral composition by Canadian composer Stephen Chatman. It was composed in 1994 and premiered on March 4, 1995, by the Vancouver Chamber Choir, conducted by Jon Washburn. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately 12 minutes in length. The first movement, "You Have Ravished My Heart," is a setting of text from the Song of Solomon. It begins with a solo soprano singing the opening line, "You have ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse." The choir then enters with a lush, romantic harmony, creating a sense of intimacy and passion. The movement is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies, which convey the intense emotions of the text. The second movement, "The Voice of My Beloved," is a setting of text from the same biblical book. It begins with a solo tenor singing the opening line, "The voice of my beloved! Behold, he cometh." The choir then enters with a more subdued, contemplative harmony, creating a sense of anticipation and longing. The movement is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and chant-like melodies, which convey the mystical and spiritual nature of the text. The third movement, "Set Me as a Seal," is a setting of text from the Song of Solomon and the Book of Common Prayer. It begins with a solo soprano singing the opening line, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart." The choir then enters with a joyful, celebratory harmony, creating a sense of unity and commitment. The movement is characterized by its use of lively rhythms and syncopated melodies, which convey the joy and energy of the text. Overall, "You Have Ravished My Heart" is a deeply emotional and expressive choral work that showcases Chatman's skillful use of harmony, melody, and text painting. Its lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and varied textures create a sense of intimacy, passion, and spiritual longing that is both moving and uplifting.

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