Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

4:18

"I Sing of a Maiden that is Makeless" is a choral work composed by Arnold Bax in 1920. The piece was premiered in London in 1921 by the choir of St. Margaret's Church, Westminster. It is a setting of an anonymous medieval English text that celebrates the Virgin Mary. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is sung by the choir in unison. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and features a solo soprano singing the text "He came all so still." The choir then joins in for the final line of the movement. The third movement is marked "Andante" and is sung by the choir in four-part harmony. The piece is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and its simple, yet effective, choral writing. Bax's setting of the text is sensitive to the meaning of the words, with the music reflecting the joy and wonder of the Virgin Mary's story. The use of a solo soprano in the second movement adds a sense of intimacy to the piece, while the final movement brings the choir together in a powerful and uplifting conclusion. Overall, "I Sing of a Maiden that is Makeless" is a beautiful and evocative choral work that showcases Bax's skill as a composer. Its timeless text and simple yet effective musical setting make it a popular choice for Christmas concerts and services.

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