Composer

:

Howard Skempton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

9:39

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

'Rise up, my love' is a choral work composed by Howard Skempton in 1995. The piece was premiered by the BBC Singers in the same year. It is a setting of the Song of Solomon, a book of the Old Testament, and is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Rise up, my love, my fair one," is a gentle and flowing setting of the text. The choir sings in unison, with occasional harmonies, creating a sense of intimacy and tenderness. The music is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, with a focus on the beauty of the text. The second movement, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart," is more complex, with overlapping vocal lines and shifting harmonies. The music builds in intensity, reflecting the passionate nature of the text. The choir sings with great emotion, conveying the depth of feeling expressed in the words. The final movement, "Love is strong as death," is a powerful and dramatic setting of the text. The choir sings in unison, with occasional harmonies, creating a sense of unity and strength. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and driving momentum, reflecting the forceful nature of the text. Overall, 'Rise up, my love' is a beautiful and moving choral work that showcases Skempton's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and emotional depth, making it a powerful expression of the human experience.

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