Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1886

Publication Date

:

1886

Average_duration

:

94:34

The Golden Legend is a cantata composed by Arthur Sullivan in 1886. It premiered on 16 December 1886 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The cantata is based on the poem of the same name by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which tells the story of a young prince who falls in love with a peasant girl and must overcome various obstacles to be with her. The cantata is divided into four movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement, "The Spinning Wheel," introduces the two main characters and their love story. The second movement, "The Night Scene," takes place in a forest where the prince and his love are separated by a group of bandits. The third movement, "The Procession of the Knights," features a grand procession of knights and ladies that the prince must navigate to reach his love. The final movement, "The Golden Legend," sees the prince and his love reunited and living happily ever after. The music of The Golden Legend is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and dramatic choral passages. Sullivan's use of orchestration is particularly noteworthy, with the brass and percussion sections adding a sense of grandeur and excitement to the music. The cantata also features several soloists, including a soprano who sings the role of the peasant girl and a tenor who sings the role of the prince. Overall, The Golden Legend is a beautiful and romantic work that showcases Sullivan's skill as a composer. Its premiere was a great success, and it has remained a popular piece of choral music to this day.

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