Composer

:

Kenneth Leighton

Average_duration

:

2:15

'Drop, Drop, Slow Tears' is a choral work composed by Kenneth Leighton in 1956. The piece was premiered in the same year by the choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of David Willcocks. The work is a setting of a poem by Phineas Fletcher, which describes the tears of the Virgin Mary at the crucifixion of Jesus. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and musical style. The first movement is marked "Slow and expressive" and is sung by the choir in unison. The music is characterized by a mournful melody and a slow, steady rhythm, which creates a sense of solemnity and reverence. The second movement is marked "Moderato" and is sung by the choir in four-part harmony. The music is more upbeat and lively than the first movement, with a faster tempo and a more complex harmonic structure. The third movement is marked "Slow and expressive" and is sung by the choir in unison. The music is similar in style to the first movement, with a mournful melody and a slow, steady rhythm. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease in the music. The harmonies are often complex and unexpected, with sudden shifts in tonality and unexpected chord progressions. The use of dissonance and chromaticism is particularly effective in the second movement, where it creates a sense of urgency and excitement in the music. Overall, 'Drop, Drop, Slow Tears' is a powerful and moving choral work that captures the emotional intensity of the crucifixion story. The music is characterized by a sense of solemnity and reverence, as well as a sense of tension and unease created by the use of dissonance and chromaticism. The piece remains a popular choice for choirs and is widely regarded as one of Leighton's most accomplished works.

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