Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1925

Average_duration

:

6:52

"When First Thine Eyes Unveil" is a choral work composed by Herbert Howells in 1949. The piece was premiered on May 11, 1950, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The work is a setting of a poem by Robert Bridges, and it is scored for SATB choir and organ. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Moderato," and it begins with a gentle organ introduction. The choir enters with a hushed, ethereal sound, singing the first line of the poem: "When first thine eyes unveil, give me thy sight." The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir and organ interweaving in a complex, contrapuntal texture. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato," and it is more rhythmic and energetic than the first. The choir sings the second stanza of the poem, which describes the beauty of nature: "Let me thy landscape see, thy silver streams." The music is characterized by lively rhythms and syncopated accents, and the organ provides a lively accompaniment. The movement ends with a triumphant, joyful cadence. The final movement is marked "Lento," and it is the most introspective and contemplative of the three. The choir sings the final stanza of the poem, which expresses a desire for spiritual enlightenment: "Teach me thy love to know, thy mercy show." The music is characterized by long, sustained phrases and rich harmonies, and the organ provides a gentle, supportive accompaniment. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. Overall, "When First Thine Eyes Unveil" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Howells' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by rich harmonies, complex textures, and a deep sense of spirituality. It is a testament to Howells' ability to create music that is both technically sophisticated and emotionally powerful.

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