Composer

:

Lennox Berkeley

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

3:41

"Sweet was the Song, Op. 43/3" is a choral work composed by Lennox Berkeley, a British composer, in 1953. The piece was premiered on December 16, 1953, by the BBC Chorus, conducted by Leslie Woodgate. The piece is a setting of a poem by George Peele, a 16th-century English poet. It is a part of a larger work called "Five Poems of W.H. Auden and George Peele," which was commissioned by the BBC for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. "Sweet was the Song" is a four-part choral work with piano accompaniment. The piece is in the key of F major and has a moderate tempo. The work is characterized by its lush harmonies and lyrical melodies. The piece begins with a gentle piano introduction, which sets the mood for the piece. The choir then enters with the first verse, singing in unison. The second verse is sung by the altos, with the other parts providing a gentle accompaniment. The third verse is sung by the sopranos, with the altos providing a counter-melody. The final verse is sung by the full choir, with the piano providing a rich harmonic accompaniment. The piece is notable for its use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, the word "sweet" is set to a gentle, flowing melody, while the word "sorrow" is set to a more dissonant harmony. Overall, "Sweet was the Song" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Berkeley's skill as a composer. Its lush harmonies and lyrical melodies make it a popular choice for choirs around the world.

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