Composer

:

Elliott Carter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorus

Compose Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

7:54

To Music, for chorus is a composition by the American composer Elliott Carter. It was composed in 1937 and premiered on May 9, 1937, by the Harvard Glee Club under the direction of G. Wallace Woodworth. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately 10 minutes in length. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a unison statement of the text "To Music" by Friedrich von Schiller. The choir then breaks into four-part harmony, with each voice part singing a different melody. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a setting of the text "Ode to Music" by William Shakespeare. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The music is more lyrical and expressive than the first movement, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The final movement, marked "Allegro," is a setting of the text "Music, when soft voices die" by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with each voice part taking turns singing the melody. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular rhythms, which create a sense of energy and excitement. Overall, To Music, for chorus is a challenging and complex work that showcases Carter's mastery of harmony, rhythm, and counterpoint. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and irregular rhythms, which were innovative for their time. Despite its difficulty, the piece has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is frequently performed by choirs around the world.

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