Composer

:

Charles Wood

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

1:28

'Oculi omnium' is a choral composition by Charles Wood, a British composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1913 and premiered on October 15th of the same year at the coronation of King George V in Westminster Abbey. 'Oculi omnium' is a motet, a type of choral composition that is typically sung a cappella and is often used in religious services. The piece is written for four-part choir, with the text taken from the Latin Vulgate Bible. The text is a verse from Psalm 145, which reads, "The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season." The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Moderato," and begins with a unison statement of the text by the choir. The music then builds in intensity, with the choir singing in harmony and the melody moving between the different parts. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective section. The second movement is marked "Andante," and is more contemplative in character. The choir sings in a more subdued manner, with the melody moving slowly and deliberately. The harmonies are rich and complex, with the different parts weaving in and out of each other. The final movement is marked "Allegro," and is the most energetic of the three. The choir sings in a lively, rhythmic manner, with the melody moving quickly and the harmonies becoming more dissonant. The movement builds to a climax before ending abruptly. Overall, 'Oculi omnium' is a beautiful and expressive piece of choral music. Wood's use of harmony and melody creates a rich and complex texture, while the different movements provide a sense of variety and contrast. The piece is a testament to Wood's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally moving.

More....