Composer

:

Halsey Stevens

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

2:08

'Go, Lovely Rose' is a choral work composed by Halsey Stevens in 1953. The piece is based on the poem of the same name by Edmund Waller, a 17th-century English poet. The work was premiered in 1954 by the Roger Wagner Chorale in Los Angeles. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem. The first movement, marked "Moderato," is a gentle and flowing setting of the opening lines of the poem. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the middle section of the poem, which describes the fleeting nature of beauty. The final movement, marked "Andante," is a slow and reflective setting of the closing lines of the poem, which express the idea that love is eternal. Stevens' setting of the poem is characterized by its lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and sensitive treatment of the text. The composer uses a variety of choral textures and techniques to bring out the meaning of the words, including homophonic and polyphonic writing, dynamic contrasts, and expressive phrasing. The work is also notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which add depth and complexity to the harmonies. Overall, 'Go, Lovely Rose' is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the essence of Waller's poem. Its expressive melodies, lush harmonies, and sensitive treatment of the text make it a favorite among choral groups and audiences alike.

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