Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Theme & Variations

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

21:44

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

A Boy Was Born, Op. 3 is a choral work composed by Benjamin Britten in 1933. It was premiered on December 4, 1934, at the Norwich Festival, with the composer conducting. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a different Christmas carol. The first movement, "A Boy Was Born," is a setting of the medieval English carol of the same name. It begins with a solo voice singing the first verse, followed by the choir joining in for the second verse. The movement is characterized by its use of polyphony and imitative counterpoint. The second movement, "Lullay, Jesu," is a setting of the traditional English carol "Coventry Carol." It features a solo voice singing the first verse, with the choir joining in for the second verse. The movement is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and a gentle, lullaby-like melody. The third movement, "Herod," is a setting of the anonymous medieval English carol "The Slaughter of the Innocents." It is a dramatic and intense movement, with the choir singing in a declamatory style and the organ providing a driving accompaniment. The fourth movement, "Jesu, as Thou art our Saviour," is a setting of the traditional English carol "The First Nowell." It features a solo voice singing the first verse, with the choir joining in for the second verse. The movement is characterized by its use of simple harmonies and a gentle, flowing melody. The fifth movement, "The Three Kings," is a setting of the traditional English carol "We Three Kings." It features a solo voice singing the first verse, with the choir joining in for the second verse. The movement is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and a stately, processional-like melody. The final movement, "In the Bleak Midwinter," is a setting of the poem by Christina Rossetti. It features a solo voice singing the first verse, with the choir joining in for the second verse. The movement is characterized by its use of simple harmonies and a gentle, reflective melody. Overall, A Boy Was Born, Op. 3 is a masterful work that showcases Britten's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of choral music. Its use of traditional Christmas carols and its innovative harmonies and textures make it a timeless classic of the choral repertoire.

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