Composer

:

Gerald Near

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:42

My Dancing Day is a choral work composed by Gerald Near in 1984. It is a setting of traditional English carols and is based on the medieval mystery play, The Visitatio Sepulchri. The piece was premiered in 1984 by the Dale Warland Singers. The work is divided into seven movements, each of which is based on a different carol. The first movement, "The Holly and the Ivy," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the traditional carol. The second movement, "The Cherry Tree Carol," is a more contemplative and introspective piece, featuring a solo soprano voice. The third movement, "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," is the centerpiece of the work. It is a joyful and exuberant setting of the traditional carol, featuring a lively dance rhythm and intricate vocal harmonies. The fourth movement, "The Coventry Carol," is a haunting and mournful piece, featuring a solo alto voice. The fifth movement, "The Sussex Carol," is a bright and cheerful setting of the traditional carol, featuring a lively dance rhythm and joyful vocal harmonies. The sixth movement, "The Wexford Carol," is a more contemplative and introspective piece, featuring a solo tenor voice. The final movement, "The Gloucestershire Wassail," is a lively and festive setting of the traditional carol, featuring a lively dance rhythm and joyful vocal harmonies. Throughout the work, Near employs a variety of vocal techniques and textures, including intricate harmonies, solo voices, and choral antiphony. Overall, My Dancing Day is a joyful and celebratory work that captures the spirit of the Christmas season. Its use of traditional carols and medieval mystery play themes gives it a timeless quality that has made it a popular choice for choral performances around the world.

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