Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Aug 1943

Publication Date

:

1961

First Performance

:

Mar 25, 1966

Average_duration

:

2:52

"They Are There!, S. 188" is a patriotic composition by Charles Ives, an American composer known for his experimental and innovative approach to music. The piece was composed in 1917, during World War I, and premiered on May 30, 1918, in New Haven, Connecticut. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement, titled "The Flag," is a march-like piece that features a prominent snare drum and brass fanfares. The music is celebratory and patriotic, evoking the pride and unity of the American people. The second movement, titled "In Flanders Fields," is a somber and reflective piece that pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. The music is slow and mournful, with a haunting melody played by the strings. The piece is based on the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, which describes the poppies that grew on the graves of fallen soldiers in Flanders. The third and final movement, titled "The General Slocum," is a lively and energetic piece that celebrates the resilience and spirit of the American people. The music is fast-paced and rhythmic, with a playful melody played by the woodwinds. The piece is named after the steamship General Slocum, which caught fire and sank in the East River in 1904, killing over a thousand people. "They Are There!, S. 188" is a quintessentially American composition, reflecting the country's history, culture, and values. The piece showcases Ives' unique musical style, which blends traditional European forms with American folk music and popular songs. The composition is a testament to Ives' belief in the power of music to unite people and inspire them to greatness.

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