Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Carol

Compose Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

3:37

John Rutter's "The Very Best Time of Year" is a choral work that was composed in 2006. It was premiered on December 16, 2006, by the Cambridge Singers, which is a choir that Rutter founded in 1981. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "The Very Best Time of Year," is a joyful and upbeat piece that celebrates the holiday season. The choir sings about the excitement and anticipation that comes with Christmas, and the music is characterized by its lively tempo and bright harmonies. The movement features a solo soprano voice that soars above the choir, adding an extra layer of beauty to the piece. The second movement, "The Holly and the Ivy," is a traditional English carol that has been arranged by Rutter. The music is more subdued than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more contemplative harmonies. The choir sings about the symbolism of the holly and the ivy, which represent the masculine and feminine aspects of Christ. The movement features a solo tenor voice that adds a haunting quality to the music. The third movement, "Deck the Hall," is a lively and festive piece that is based on a traditional Welsh carol. The choir sings about the joy and merriment of the holiday season, and the music is characterized by its fast tempo and playful harmonies. The movement features a solo baritone voice that adds a sense of humor to the piece. Overall, "The Very Best Time of Year" is a beautiful and uplifting choral work that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Rutter's use of traditional carols and his own original music creates a seamless blend of old and new, making the piece both timeless and contemporary. The choir's performance of the work is characterized by its precision and clarity, with each voice contributing to the overall beauty of the music.

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