Composer

:

Jón Leifs

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1958

Average_duration

:

1:08

"Stand, House of Stone, Op. 47a" is a choral work composed by Icelandic composer Jón Leifs. The piece was composed in 1950 and premiered in Reykjavik, Iceland on December 10th of the same year. The work is divided into three movements and is approximately 20 minutes in length. The first movement, "Stand," is a powerful and dramatic opening that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The choir sings in unison, with the basses providing a strong foundation for the soaring melodies of the upper voices. The text, written by Leifs himself, is a call to action, urging the listener to stand up and fight for what they believe in. The second movement, "House of Stone," is a more contemplative and introspective section. The choir sings in a more subdued manner, with the harmonies shifting and changing throughout the piece. The text is a reflection on the passing of time and the impermanence of life, with the "house of stone" representing the physical body that will eventually crumble and decay. The final movement, "Op. 47a," is a triumphant and celebratory conclusion to the piece. The choir sings in a joyful and exuberant manner, with the text celebrating the power of music and the human spirit. The music builds to a powerful climax, with the choir and orchestra coming together in a glorious finale. Overall, "Stand, House of Stone, Op. 47a" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Leifs' unique compositional style. The piece combines elements of Icelandic folk music with modernist techniques, creating a sound that is both ancient and contemporary. The text is deeply personal and reflective, with Leifs drawing on his own experiences and beliefs to create a work that is both universal and deeply personal.

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