Composer

:

Robert Lucas Pearsall

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1840

Average_duration

:

2:51

"Lay a Garland" is a choral work composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall in the 19th century. The piece was first published in 1864, but it is believed to have been composed earlier, possibly in the 1830s. The work is a setting of a poem by Robert Greene, which was originally published in 1590. The piece is written for four-part choir, with the melody carried by the sopranos and altos, and the tenors and basses providing a rich harmonic accompaniment. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody. The choir sings the first verse of the poem, which describes the laying of a garland of flowers on the grave of a loved one. The harmonies are rich and expressive, with the tenors and basses providing a solid foundation for the soaring soprano and alto lines. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is more lively and rhythmic than the first. The choir sings the second verse of the poem, which describes the beauty of the flowers in the garland. The melody is more complex in this section, with the different parts weaving in and out of each other to create a rich tapestry of sound. The final movement is marked "Andante espressivo" and is the most emotional and expressive of the three. The choir sings the final verse of the poem, which describes the sorrow of the speaker at the loss of their loved one. The harmonies are more dissonant in this section, reflecting the sadness and grief of the text. Overall, "Lay a Garland" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Pearsall's skill as a composer. The piece is often performed at funerals and other solemn occasions, and it remains a beloved part of the choral repertoire to this day.

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