Composer

:

Geoffrey Bush

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

18:15

'Farewell Earth's Bliss' is a choral work composed by Geoffrey Bush in 1963. The piece was premiered on 17th October 1963 at the Royal Festival Hall in London by the London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, titled "Invocation," is a slow and solemn introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The choir sings a text by John Donne, which speaks of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The music is characterized by rich harmonies and a sense of foreboding, as if the choir is preparing for something ominous. The second movement, "The World is Too Much with Us," is a setting of a poem by William Wordsworth. The music is more lively and energetic than the first movement, with a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency. The choir sings of the dangers of materialism and the need to reconnect with nature. The music is characterized by a sense of restlessness and unease, as if the choir is struggling to find a way out of the modern world's distractions. The final movement, "Farewell Earth's Bliss," is a setting of a poem by Thomas Nashe. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The choir sings of the inevitability of death and the need to let go of earthly pleasures. The music is characterized by a sense of finality and closure, as if the choir is bidding farewell to the world and preparing for the afterlife. Overall, 'Farewell Earth's Bliss' is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of mortality, spirituality, and the human condition. The music is characterized by rich harmonies, complex textures, and a sense of emotional depth and intensity. It remains a popular and frequently performed choral work to this day.

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