Composer

:

Charles Villiers Stanford

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1886 - 1910

Average_duration

:

4:55

"I Heard a Voice from Heaven" is a choral work composed by Charles Villiers Stanford in 1909. It was premiered on June 22, 1909, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The piece is divided into four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "I Heard a Voice from Heaven," is a powerful and dramatic setting of the text from Revelation 14:13. The choir sings in unison, with the organ providing a rich and full accompaniment. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord" in a triumphant and joyful manner. The second movement, "And I Saw a New Heaven," is a more contemplative and introspective piece. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the organ providing a gentle and soothing accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its beautiful harmonies and serene atmosphere. The third movement, "Blessed are the Dead," is a somber and mournful piece. The choir sings in unison, with the organ providing a sparse and haunting accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonance and its sense of sadness and loss. The final movement, "For the Choirs of Angels," is a joyful and celebratory piece. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the organ providing a lively and energetic accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and its sense of exuberance and excitement. Overall, "I Heard a Voice from Heaven" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Stanford's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, dramatic contrasts, and powerful emotions. It remains a popular work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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