Composer

:

Alison Beck

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

'What Wondrous Love is This? (after Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending)' is a contemporary classical composition by Alison Beck. The piece was composed in 2019 and premiered on March 1, 2020, at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The composition is a reimagining of Ralph Vaughan Williams' famous work 'The Lark Ascending.' Beck's piece is a three-movement work that takes inspiration from the original composition but also incorporates new elements and themes. The first movement, titled 'The Lark Ascending,' is a nod to Vaughan Williams' original work and features soaring melodies and a sense of flight and freedom. The second movement, 'What Wondrous Love is This?,' is a contemplative and introspective piece that explores the themes of love and sacrifice. The final movement, 'Ascension,' is a triumphant and celebratory piece that brings the work to a close. One of the characteristics of Beck's composition is her use of extended techniques on the violin, which adds a unique and modern element to the piece. She also incorporates elements of Appalachian folk music, which is a nod to her roots in North Carolina. The piece is scored for solo violin and string orchestra, and the orchestration is lush and full, providing a rich backdrop for the soloist. Overall, 'What Wondrous Love is This? (after Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending)' is a beautiful and moving work that pays homage to a classic composition while also incorporating new and modern elements. The piece showcases Beck's skill as a composer and her ability to create music that is both accessible and innovative.

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