Composer

:

Kenneth Leighton

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

April, 1981-May, 1981

First Performance

:

June 23, 1981

Average_duration

:

8:04

These are Thy Wonders (A Song of Renewal), Op. 84 is a choral work composed by Kenneth Leighton in 1974. The piece was premiered on May 18, 1974, by the choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, under the direction of George Guest. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "These are Thy Wonders," is a joyful and exuberant celebration of the natural world. The choir sings of the beauty of the earth, the sky, and the sea, and praises God for the wonders of creation. The second movement, "O Lord, How Manifold," is a more introspective and contemplative piece. The choir sings of the complexity and mystery of the human soul, and asks for God's guidance and wisdom in navigating the challenges of life. The final movement, "Praise Ye the Lord," is a triumphant and uplifting conclusion to the work. The choir sings of the power and majesty of God, and calls on all creation to join in praising Him. Throughout the piece, Leighton's use of harmony and counterpoint creates a rich and complex texture, with each voice part contributing to the overall sound. The music is often highly rhythmic, with driving rhythms and syncopated accents adding to the sense of energy and excitement. Overall, These are Thy Wonders (A Song of Renewal), Op. 84 is a powerful and moving work that celebrates the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the power and majesty of God.

More....