Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1966

Average_duration

:

3:36

"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is a choral work composed by Ned Rorem in 1987. The piece was premiered on May 17, 1987, by the Choir of St. Thomas Church in New York City, under the direction of Gerre Hancock. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different hymn text. The first movement, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," is a setting of the hymn by Charles Wesley. The second movement, "O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High," is a setting of the hymn by Thomas à Kempis. The third movement, "Love Consecrates the Humblest Act," is a setting of a text by John Haynes Holmes. Rorem's setting of "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is characterized by its lush harmonies and soaring melodies. The piece begins with a gentle, flowing accompaniment that sets the stage for the choir's entrance. The choir enters with a unison statement of the hymn tune, which is then developed through a series of harmonizations and counterpoints. The movement builds to a climax with a powerful statement of the final verse, which is then followed by a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, "O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High," is characterized by its rich, complex harmonies and intricate counterpoint. The choir sings the hymn tune in unison, while the accompaniment weaves a complex web of interlocking melodies and harmonies. The movement builds to a climax with a powerful statement of the final verse, which is then followed by a quiet, reflective coda. The third movement, "Love Consecrates the Humblest Act," is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The choir sings the text in unison, accompanied by a gentle, flowing accompaniment. The movement builds to a climax with a powerful statement of the final verse, which is then followed by a quiet, reflective coda. Overall, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is a beautiful and moving choral work that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate counterpoint, and is sure to be a favorite of choirs and audiences alike.

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