Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

10:46

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Hymn to St. Cecilia, Op. 27 is a choral work composed by Benjamin Britten in 1942. It was premiered on November 22, 1942, at the National Gallery in London, by the BBC Singers conducted by Leslie Woodgate. The work is divided into three movements and is approximately 11 minutes in length. The first movement, "In a garden shady," is a setting of a poem by Robert Herrick. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the altos and tenors. The choir then sings the text in unison, with the melody passing between the different voice parts. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful chord. The second movement, "Jubilate Agno," is a setting of a poem by Christopher Smart. It begins with a lively, rhythmic melody in the altos and tenors, which is then taken up by the sopranos. The choir then sings the text in a fast, energetic manner, with the melody passing between the different voice parts. The movement ends with a triumphant, joyful chord. The third movement, "Hymn to St. Cecilia," is a setting of a poem by W.H. Auden. It begins with a haunting, ethereal melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the altos and tenors. The choir then sings the text in a slow, mournful manner, with the melody passing between the different voice parts. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful chord. Overall, Hymn to St. Cecilia is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Britten's skill as a composer. The three movements are distinct in character and style, but they are united by a common theme of music and its power to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The work is a fitting tribute to St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and a testament to the enduring power of choral music.

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