Composer

:

Edward Bairstow

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1925

Average_duration

:

1:59

"I Sat Down under His Shadow" is a choral work composed by Edward Bairstow, an English composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1928 and premiered in the same year at the Leeds Festival. It is a setting of the text from the Song of Solomon, Chapter 2, Verse 3. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody in the soprano and alto voices. The tenor and bass voices provide a rich harmonic foundation, with occasional moments of dissonance that add tension to the piece. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is more lively and energetic than the first. The melody is passed between the different voice parts, creating a sense of movement and momentum. The harmonies are more complex in this movement, with frequent modulations and unexpected chord progressions. The movement ends with a triumphant, joyful cadence. The final movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is the most contemplative of the three. The melody is simple and plaintive, with the voices singing in unison for much of the movement. The harmonies are more subdued in this movement, with a focus on creating a sense of stillness and peace. The movement ends with a quiet, introspective cadence. Overall, "I Sat Down under His Shadow" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Bairstow's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, flowing melodies, and moments of tension and release. It is a testament to Bairstow's ability to create music that is both technically complex and emotionally resonant.

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