C21C88FF-9894-437D-9742-BC58115ABCEE
| ID | C21C88FF-9894-437D-9742-BC58115ABCEE |
|---|---|
| Titlecode | R00344 |
| Title Name | Songs of Isaiah |
| Marketing Copy | (not set) |
| Instrumentation | Boys Choir or SATB Chorus 2.2.2+eb+Bass Clarinet.2: 2.2.2.0: Timpani.Marimba.Piano: Strings |
| Commission | Commissioned by the Boys Choir of Harlem, 1986. |
| Dedication | (not set) |
| Program Notes | During the 1980s Hailstork produced three large-scale choral works, which are today among his most widely performed compositions: the oratorio Done Made My Vow, the cantata I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes, and the triptych Songs of Isaiah. In the first song of the triptych, "A Voice Says Cry," a solo soprano represents the eponymous voice, while the four-part choir slowly meditates on the transience of life. Solo bassoon and baritone singer introduce the ensuing movement, "Those Who Trust in the Lord," and shortly the cello and several solo woodwinds chime in, brightening the timbre by slight degrees while maintaining the rhythmic punch. The proceedings eventually burst into a boisterous march, portraying the believers whom "will march on and never grow faint." A hushed "Alleluia" leads without break to the final movement; "My People Shall Dwell in a Tranquil Country," in which the bucolic mood is harshly interrupted by brief, accented intrusions from the brasses. But these outbursts are soon sidelined, and the triptych ends in an atmosphere of peace, prayer, and contentment. --J.M.K. (New York Philharmonic notes) |
| Title Brand | 2 |
| Year Composed | 1987 |
| Copyright Number | (not set) |
| Copyright Year | (not set) |
| Duration | 14 |
| Ensemble Size | 13 |
| Date Created | 2008-10-31 20:31:38.000000 |
| Date Updated | 2025-09-30 20:31:38 |
| Inhouse Note | (not set) |
| Bsc Code | (not set) |
| Text Author | (not set) |
| Premier Performance Memo | -Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/ Andre Raphael Smith. 18 Jan 02. -Philadelphia Orchestra/ Andre Smith. 18 Jan 99. Morgan State University Choir. -New York Philharmonic/ Kurt Masur. 23, 24, 25, 27 May 96. |
| Recording Credits | (not set) |
| Review | "It is an absorbing triptych...tone-painting of a rare, exotic and, at times stunningly beautiful quality. This is a first-rate choral and orchestra work." --Scott Duncan, Baltimore Sun<BR><BR> "The language of this engaging three-movement piece is rich, mid-20th century American tonality. Text-setting is straightforward, oratorical. Lines are long, and bouncy rhythms and open texures bring to mind the music of Leonard Bernstein." <BR>--Mark Mobley, The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star |
| Awards | (not set) |
| Title Category | 3 |
| Title Movements | (not set) |
| Title Grade | (not set) |
| Set Series ID | (not set) |
| Title Instrument Category Text | Cantata/ Oratorio |
| Title Sub Category Text | (not set) |
| Title Sub Category | 55 |
| Title Instrument Header | 32 |
| Title Grade Text | (not set) |
| Clean Url | songs-of-isaiah-r00344 |