Composer

:

Jonathan Dove

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Jonathan Dove's "The Passing of the Year" is a choral work that was composed in 2000. It was premiered on October 28, 2000, by the BBC Singers at St. Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, London. The piece is divided into twelve movements, each of which represents a month of the year. The first movement, "Invocation," sets the tone for the piece with a prayer-like text that calls for peace and harmony. The second movement, "The narrow bud opens her beauties to the sun," is a delicate and introspective setting of a poem by William Blake. The third movement, "Answer July," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a poem by Emily Dickinson that celebrates the joys of summer. The fourth movement, "Hot sun, cool fire," is a setting of a poem by George Peele that contrasts the heat of the sun with the coolness of love. The fifth movement, "Ah, Sun-flower!," is another setting of a poem by William Blake that explores the themes of beauty and mortality. The sixth movement, "Adieu! farewell earth's bliss!," is a somber setting of a poem by Thomas Nashe that reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The seventh movement, "Ring out, wild bells," is a celebratory setting of a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson that welcomes the new year. The eighth movement, "The short year hastens to its end," is a reflective setting of a poem by Thomas Hardy that contemplates the passing of time. The ninth movement, "The choirs of angels," is a joyful setting of a poem by Robert Herrick that celebrates the Christmas season. The tenth movement, "New Year, New Year," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson that looks forward to the possibilities of the new year. The eleventh movement, "Hark! the echoing air," is a setting of a poem by John Dryden that celebrates the joys of music. The final movement, "The year's at the spring," is a hopeful setting of a poem by Robert Browning that looks forward to the renewal of life in the spring. Overall, "The Passing of the Year" is a rich and varied choral work that explores a wide range of emotions and themes. Dove's use of poetry from a variety of sources gives the piece a diverse and eclectic feel, while his skillful use of harmony and rhythm creates a cohesive and satisfying whole.

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