Composer

:

Gustav Holst

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1926

Average_duration

:

22:54

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Gustav Holst's 'Partsongs (7), Op. 44, H. 162' is a collection of seven choral pieces composed between 1906 and 1914. The premiere of the complete set was in 1916, performed by the London Symphony Chorus. The first movement, "I Love My Love," is a traditional Cornish folk song arranged by Holst. It features a simple melody and harmonies that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The second movement, "Seven Part-Songs," is a collection of seven short pieces that showcase Holst's skill in writing for voices. Each song has a different character, ranging from the playful "My Sweetheart's Like Venus" to the haunting "The Autumn is Old." The third movement, "The Evening Watch," is a setting of a poem by Thomas Campion. It features a gentle, flowing melody that is supported by rich harmonies. The fourth movement, "Ave Maria," is a setting of the traditional Latin prayer. Holst's version is simple and elegant, with a soaring melody that is supported by lush harmonies. The fifth movement, "O Swallow, Swallow," is a setting of a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It features a lively, energetic melody that is supported by intricate harmonies. The sixth movement, "The Sorrow of Love," is a setting of a poem by William Butler Yeats. It features a haunting melody that is supported by sparse, atmospheric harmonies. The final movement, "The Autumn is Old," is a setting of a poem by Hilaire Belloc. It features a melancholy melody that is supported by rich, complex harmonies. Overall, Holst's 'Partsongs (7), Op. 44, H. 162' is a masterful collection of choral pieces that showcase his skill in writing for voices. The pieces range in character from playful to haunting, and each one is a testament to Holst's ability to evoke emotion through music.

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