Composer

:

Howard Hanson

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1974

Average_duration

:

18:03

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Symphony No. 7 A Sea Symphony is a choral symphony composed by Howard Hanson. It was composed in 1946 and premiered on October 24, 1946, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New England Conservatory Chorus, conducted by Serge Koussevitzky. The symphony is divided into four movements and is approximately 45 minutes in length. The first movement, "The Sea and the Mirror," is a slow and contemplative introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the symphony. The movement features a solo soprano and tenor, who sing a duet that represents the sea and the sky. The movement is characterized by its lush harmonies and sweeping melodies. The second movement, "On the Beach at Night," is a scherzo that is more lively and energetic than the first movement. The movement features a chorus that sings Walt Whitman's poem of the same name. The movement is characterized by its driving rhythms and playful melodies. The third movement, "The Waves," is a slow and contemplative movement that features a chorus singing Whitman's poem "Passage to India." The movement is characterized by its haunting melodies and lush harmonies. The fourth and final movement, "The Explorers," is a triumphant and celebratory movement that features a chorus singing Whitman's poem "Song for All Seas, All Ships." The movement is characterized by its grandiose melodies and powerful harmonies. Overall, Symphony No. 7 A Sea Symphony is a powerful and evocative work that captures the majesty and mystery of the sea. The symphony is characterized by its lush harmonies, sweeping melodies, and powerful choral writing. It is considered one of Hanson's most important works and is a testament to his skill as a composer.

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