Composer

:

William Averitt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2009

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

The Dream Keeper is a choral work composed by William Averitt in 2001. It was premiered by the Virginia Glee Club, conducted by Bruce Tammen, on February 23, 2002, at the University of Virginia. The piece is based on the poetry of Langston Hughes, an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. The Dream Keeper is a collection of six poems that explore the themes of love, hope, and the human experience. The first movement, "The Dream Keeper," sets the tone for the entire piece. It is a slow and contemplative piece that features a soloist singing the opening lines of the poem. The choir then joins in, creating a rich and harmonious sound that evokes a sense of longing and hope. The movement ends with a soft and gentle fade-out, leaving the listener with a feeling of peace and tranquility. The second movement, "Love Song for Lucinda," is a lively and upbeat piece that celebrates the joy of love. The choir sings in a call-and-response style, with the soloist leading the way. The movement is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and playful melodies, which create a sense of energy and excitement. The third movement, "Dream Variations," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the theme of identity. The choir sings in a slow and mournful style, with the soloist providing a counterpoint melody. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease. The fourth movement, "I Dream a World," is a powerful and uplifting piece that celebrates the possibility of a better world. The choir sings in a grand and majestic style, with the soloist providing a soaring melody. The movement is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and dynamic contrasts, which create a sense of grandeur and majesty. The fifth movement, "Let America Be America Again," is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that explores the theme of the American Dream. The choir sings in a slow and contemplative style, with the soloist providing a plaintive melody. The movement is characterized by its use of simple harmonies and sparse instrumentation, which create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The final movement, "Dreams," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that brings the entire work to a close. The choir sings in a fast and energetic style, with the soloist providing a driving melody. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and complex harmonies, which create a sense of excitement and joy. Overall, The Dream Keeper is a masterful work that showcases William Averitt's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and complex rhythms, which create a sense of depth and complexity. The poetry of Langston Hughes provides a powerful and thought-provoking backdrop for the music, making The Dream Keeper a work that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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