Composer

:

Ernst Bacon

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:48

'Grand Is the Seen' is a choral work composed by Ernst Bacon in 1947. The piece was premiered on May 4, 1947, by the Westminster Choir at the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "Grand is the Seen," is a setting of a poem by Walt Whitman. The music is characterized by a slow and majestic tempo, with the choir singing in unison to create a sense of grandeur and awe. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonant chords adding to the sense of mystery and wonder. The second movement, titled "The Night," is a setting of a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The music is much more subdued than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more delicate harmonies. The choir sings in a gentle, almost whisper-like tone, evoking the peacefulness and stillness of the night. The third and final movement, titled "The Joy of the Day," is a setting of a poem by Emily Dickinson. The music is characterized by a faster tempo and more energetic rhythms, with the choir singing in a joyful and celebratory tone. The harmonies are bright and uplifting, with major chords and soaring melodies creating a sense of exuberance and happiness. Overall, 'Grand Is the Seen' is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Ernst Bacon's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and evocative lyrics, which combine to create a sense of wonder, peace, and joy.

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