Composer

:

Gerald Near

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:29

'O Prince of Peace' is a choral work composed by Gerald Near in 1983. The piece was premiered on December 11, 1983, by the St. Olaf Choir at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "O Prince of Peace," is a setting of a text by Isaac Watts. The movement begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then echoed by the altos. The tenors and basses enter with a more rhythmic and forceful section, which builds to a climax before returning to the opening melody. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful section, with the choir singing "Amen" in unison. The second movement, titled "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," is a setting of the traditional Advent hymn. The movement begins with a solo soprano singing the first verse of the hymn, accompanied by a simple organ accompaniment. The choir then enters with a more complex harmonization of the hymn, which builds to a powerful climax before returning to the solo soprano and organ. The movement ends with a quiet, contemplative section, with the choir singing "Emmanuel" in unison. The third movement, titled "O Day of Peace," is a setting of a text by Carl P. Daw Jr. The movement begins with a quiet, contemplative section, with the choir singing "O day of peace that dimly shines" in unison. The choir then enters with a more complex harmonization of the text, which builds to a powerful climax before returning to the opening melody. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful section, with the choir singing "Amen" in unison. Overall, 'O Prince of Peace' is a beautiful and powerful choral work that showcases Gerald Near's skill as a composer. The work is characterized by its flowing melodies, complex harmonies, and powerful climaxes, which all serve to convey the message of peace and hope that is at the heart of the piece.

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