Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1965

Average_duration

:

9:44

'Voices for Today, Op. 75' is a choral work composed by Benjamin Britten in 1965. It was commissioned by the National Union of Teachers to celebrate their centenary. The piece was premiered on July 3, 1965, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, conducted by the composer himself. The work consists of four movements, each with a different text and musical character. The first movement, "The World is Full of People," sets a poem by Walter de la Mare and features a lively and rhythmic choral texture. The second movement, "The Children," sets a text by William Blake and is more introspective and contemplative in character. The third movement, "The Young," sets a poem by W.H. Auden and is more energetic and optimistic in tone. The final movement, "The Teacher," sets a text by Britten himself and is a tribute to the profession of teaching, featuring a grand and celebratory choral texture. The work is characterized by Britten's skillful use of choral textures and his ability to convey a range of emotions through his music. The piece is also notable for its use of children's voices, which are featured prominently in the second and third movements. Overall, 'Voices for Today, Op. 75' is a powerful and moving tribute to the importance of education and the role of teachers in shaping the future.

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