Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

4:39

Herbert Howells' "Blessed Are the Dead" is a choral work that was composed in 1947. It was premiered on November 2, 1947, at the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Blessed Are the Dead," is a setting of the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of reverence and awe. The choir sings in unison, with occasional harmonies, creating a sense of unity and solidarity. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful resolution. The second movement, "They Are at Rest," is a setting of a poem by Henry Vaughan. The music is more upbeat and joyful than the first movement, reflecting the idea that those who have passed away are now at peace. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with a sense of energy and movement. The movement ends with a triumphant, celebratory chord. The third movement, "The Souls of the Righteous," is a setting of a passage from the Book of Wisdom. The music is slow and contemplative, with a sense of introspection and reflection. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with occasional dissonances that create a sense of tension and release. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful resolution, echoing the first movement. Overall, "Blessed Are the Dead" is a powerful and moving choral work that reflects on the themes of death, mourning, and remembrance. Howells' use of harmony, melody, and rhythm creates a sense of unity and solidarity among the choir, while also conveying a range of emotions and moods. The piece remains a popular choice for memorial services and other occasions of remembrance.

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