Composer

:

Francis Grier

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1991

Average_duration

:

3:45

"The Voice of My Beloved" is a choral work composed by Francis Grier, a British composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1994 and premiered in the same year at St. John's College, Cambridge. It is a setting of texts from the Song of Solomon, a book of the Old Testament that celebrates the love between a man and a woman. The work is divided into six movements, each of which sets a different text from the Song of Solomon. The first movement, "The Voice of My Beloved," sets the opening lines of the book, in which the woman hears the voice of her lover calling to her. The music is gentle and flowing, with a sense of longing and anticipation. The second movement, "I Am the Rose of Sharon," sets a text in which the woman describes herself as a beautiful flower. The music is lush and romantic, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. The third movement, "Set Me as a Seal Upon Thine Heart," is a duet for soprano and tenor. The text speaks of the strength of love, and the music is passionate and intense, with a sense of urgency and longing. The fourth movement, "Behold, Thou Art Fair," sets a text in which the man describes the beauty of his lover. The music is gentle and lyrical, with a sense of wonder and admiration. The fifth movement, "My Beloved Spake," sets a text in which the man calls to his lover to come away with him. The music is joyful and exuberant, with a sense of celebration and excitement. The final movement, "Many Waters Cannot Quench Love," sets a text in which the woman declares her love for her lover. The music is powerful and dramatic, with a sense of triumph and resolution. Overall, "The Voice of My Beloved" is a beautiful and passionate work that celebrates the power of love. The music is rich and expressive, with lush harmonies and soaring melodies that capture the intensity of the text. It is a testament to Grier's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the heart.

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