Composer

:

Judith Weir

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1999

Average_duration

:

2:37

'Arise, arise! you slumbering sleepers' is a choral work composed by Judith Weir in 1991. It was premiered on 7th December 1991 at St. John's Smith Square in London by the BBC Singers, conducted by Stephen Cleobury. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, 'Arise, arise!', is a lively and rhythmic call to action. The choir sings in unison, urging the listener to wake up and take action. The music is characterized by a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency, with the choir's voices rising and falling in waves. The second movement, 'The world is full of wealth and beauty', is a slower and more contemplative piece. The choir sings in harmony, reflecting on the beauty of the world around them. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody and a sense of wonder and awe. The final movement, 'But where are they who once rejoiced?', is a mournful and reflective piece. The choir sings in harmony, lamenting the loss of those who once lived and rejoiced in the world. The music is characterized by a slow, mournful melody and a sense of sadness and loss. Overall, 'Arise, arise! you slumbering sleepers' is a powerful and evocative choral work that reflects on the beauty and fragility of life. The three movements each offer a unique perspective on the human experience, from the urgency of action to the wonder of the natural world to the sadness of loss. Through its stirring music and poignant lyrics, the piece encourages the listener to wake up and embrace life to the fullest.

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