Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1921

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Sep 26, 1933

Average_duration

:

2:29

Charles Ives' "Hymn, S. 267" is a choral work that was composed in 1904. It premiered in 1905 at the First Congregational Church in Danbury, Connecticut. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a simple, hymn-like melody that is sung by the choir in unison. The accompaniment is sparse, consisting of sustained chords played by the organ. The movement is relatively short, lasting only about a minute and a half. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is much more complex than the first. The choir sings a series of overlapping melodies that create a dense, polyphonic texture. The organ accompaniment is also more active, with rapid arpeggios and flourishes. The movement is much longer than the first, lasting nearly six minutes. The third movement is marked "Andante maestoso" and is a return to the simplicity of the first movement. The choir sings a new melody that is reminiscent of the first movement, but with more elaborate harmonies. The organ accompaniment is also more active than in the first movement, with occasional flourishes and runs. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. Overall, "Hymn, S. 267" is a beautiful and complex choral work that showcases Ives' skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of polyphony and complex harmonies, as well as its incorporation of traditional hymnody.

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