Composer

:

Sven-David Sandström

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1972

Average_duration

:

5:14

Closeness is a choral work composed by Sven-David Sandström in 1993. It was premiered on October 16, 1993, by the Swedish Radio Choir, conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "The Lord is My Shepherd," is a setting of Psalm 23. The music is serene and peaceful, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The harmonies are simple and diatonic, creating a sense of calm and comfort. The movement ends with a quiet, sustained chord, evoking a sense of stillness and contemplation. The second movement, titled "The Beatitudes," is a setting of the famous passage from the Sermon on the Mount. The music is more complex than the first movement, with intricate harmonies and rhythms. The choir sings in a variety of textures, from unison to polyphony, creating a sense of movement and progression. The movement ends with a powerful chord, emphasizing the message of the text. The third movement, titled "Love," is a setting of 1 Corinthians 13. The music is lush and romantic, with rich harmonies and soaring melodies. The choir sings in a variety of textures, from homophony to polyphony, creating a sense of depth and complexity. The movement ends with a triumphant chord, emphasizing the message of the text. Overall, Closeness is a beautiful and moving choral work that showcases Sandström's skill as a composer. The music is accessible yet sophisticated, with a sense of depth and emotion that resonates with listeners. The piece is a testament to the power of choral music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

More....