Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1940

Average_duration

:

3:27

"A Song of the New Age" is a choral work composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1954. The piece was premiered on July 22, 1954, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, "The World and the Soul," is a setting of a poem by Walt Whitman. The music is characterized by a sense of grandeur and expansiveness, with the choir and orchestra working together to create a sense of awe and wonder. The movement begins with a quiet, introspective section, before building to a powerful climax. The second movement, "The Voice of the Bard," is a setting of a poem by William Blake. The music is more subdued than the first movement, with a focus on the choir and soloists. The movement is characterized by a sense of mystery and introspection, with the music evoking the mystical and spiritual themes of Blake's poetry. The final movement, "The New Jerusalem," is a setting of a poem by William Blake. The music is characterized by a sense of triumph and celebration, with the choir and orchestra working together to create a sense of joy and exultation. The movement begins with a fanfare-like introduction, before moving into a lively and energetic section that builds to a powerful climax. Overall, "A Song of the New Age" is a powerful and moving work that reflects Vaughan Williams' deep spiritual and philosophical beliefs. The music is characterized by a sense of grandeur and expansiveness, as well as a deep sense of introspection and mystery. The work is a testament to Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer, and remains a beloved and frequently performed piece in the choral repertoire.

More....