Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1890

Publication Date

:

1958

First Performance

:

May 25, 1890

Average_duration

:

2:59

"Abide with me, S. 205" is a choral work composed by Charles Ives in 1901. The piece is based on the hymn "Abide with Me" by Henry Francis Lyte. It was premiered in 1902 by the choir of the Central Presbyterian Church in New York City. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement is a setting of the hymn's first verse, with the choir singing the melody in unison while the organ provides a harmonization. The second movement is a fugue based on the hymn's second verse, with the choir and organ trading off the subject and countersubject. The third movement is a reprise of the first verse, with the choir singing the melody in harmony and the organ providing a more elaborate accompaniment. One of the characteristics of "Abide with me, S. 205" is Ives' use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. In the fugue, for example, he uses a chromatic subject that moves in unexpected directions, creating a sense of tension and instability. He also employs polytonality, with the choir and organ playing in different keys simultaneously. Another characteristic of the work is its use of counterpoint. Ives was deeply influenced by the music of Bach, and this is evident in the fugue, which features complex interweaving of voices. The use of counterpoint also reflects Ives' interest in the idea of multiple perspectives, as each voice contributes to the overall texture of the piece. Overall, "Abide with me, S. 205" is a powerful and innovative work that showcases Ives' unique approach to composition. Its use of dissonance, polytonality, and counterpoint make it a challenging but rewarding piece for both performers and listeners.

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