Composer

:

Morton Gould

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

12:19

Jericho is a composition by Morton Gould, an American composer, conductor, and pianist. The piece was composed in 1957 and premiered on January 10, 1958, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. Jericho is a symphonic work that is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Walls of Jericho," is a dramatic and intense depiction of the biblical story of the Israelites' conquest of the city of Jericho. The music is characterized by driving rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and powerful brass and percussion sections. The movement builds to a climactic moment when the walls of Jericho come tumbling down. The second movement, titled "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho," is a lively and energetic interpretation of the traditional African-American spiritual. The music is characterized by syncopated rhythms, call-and-response patterns, and a playful use of orchestral colors. The movement features a solo trumpet that plays the melody of the spiritual, accompanied by the orchestra. The third movement, titled "Joshua's Triumph," is a triumphant and celebratory finale that depicts the Israelites' victory over the city of Jericho. The music is characterized by bold brass fanfares, soaring melodies, and a sense of joy and exultation. The movement builds to a grand finale that features the full orchestra in a powerful and majestic statement of triumph. Overall, Jericho is a dynamic and engaging work that showcases Morton Gould's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both dramatic and entertaining. The piece has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire and is frequently performed by orchestras around the world.

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