Composer

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Douglas Guest

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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2:55

'For the Fallen' is a choral work composed by Douglas Guest in 1963. It was premiered on November 10, 1963, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of the annual Remembrance Sunday service. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "Requiem Aeternam," is a solemn and mournful setting of the Latin text from the Requiem Mass. The choir sings in unison, with the melody moving slowly and steadily, creating a sense of weight and gravity. The harmonies are simple and spare, with occasional dissonances adding to the sense of sadness and loss. The second movement, "For the Fallen," is a setting of Laurence Binyon's famous poem of the same name. The choir sings the text in unison, with the melody rising and falling in a gentle, flowing rhythm. The harmonies are more complex than in the first movement, with rich chords and occasional suspensions adding to the sense of beauty and reverence. The final movement, "In Flanders Fields," is a setting of John McCrae's poem of the same name. The choir sings the text in unison, with the melody moving quickly and energetically, creating a sense of urgency and determination. The harmonies are more dissonant than in the previous movements, with frequent clashes and unresolved chords adding to the sense of conflict and struggle. Overall, 'For the Fallen' is a powerful and moving tribute to those who have died in war. The music is simple and direct, with a focus on the text and the emotions it conveys. The use of unison singing and simple harmonies creates a sense of unity and solidarity, while occasional dissonances and suspensions add to the sense of tension and conflict. The piece is a fitting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

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