Wilson, Ian: Slouching towards Bethlehem - Choral Composition

Product Information

• UPC/Item Number: RICL00024300
• ISMN: 9790570028955 / 979-0570028955
• Product Type: Choral Score
• Genre: Contemporary Choral Music
• Vocal Configuration: SSATB Choir
• Publication Year: 2015
• Difficulty Level: Grade 4
• Publisher: Ricordi

Overview

Ian Wilson’s Slouching towards Bethlehem is a powerful and sophisticated choral work composed for SSATB choir, drawing deep inspiration from W.B. Yeats’ iconic and apocalyptic poem The Second Coming. Wilson transforms Yeats’ haunting imagery and prophetic tone into a compelling sonic landscape, using advanced vocal techniques and dense harmonic language to mirror the poem’s turbulent themes. The piece is marked by its intricate polyphony, shifting tonal centers, and dramatic dynamic contrasts, which together evoke a sense of unease and transformation that mirrors the chaos and uncertainty at the heart of Yeats’ vision.

Far from conventional choral writing, Wilson’s composition demands exceptional precision, ensemble cohesion, and emotional depth from its performers. Each vocal line is treated with individuality yet interwoven to create a unified and expressive tapestry of sound. The result is a work that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally stirring — a contemporary reflection on timeless questions of collapse, rebirth, and the mysterious forces that shape human destiny. Slouching towards Bethlehem stands as a striking testament to the power of music to interpret and amplify the profound literary and philosophical concerns embedded in poetry.

Product Features

• Format: Choral Score
• Vocal Configuration: SSATB (Soprano, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)
• Difficulty Level: Grade 4 (Advanced)
• Suitable For: Advanced choral ensembles, professional choirs, music conservatories

Interesting Facts

• Literary Connection: Shares its title with Joan Didion's essay collection, which itself references Yeats' poem
• Vocal Complexity: Utilizes the SSATB configuration, which allows for rich harmonic exploration
• Compositional Style: Represents Wilson's innovative approach to contemporary choral music
• Performance Challenge: Demands sophisticated vocal technique and interpretative skills

Publishers

Published by Ricordi in 2015, a prestigious international music publishing house committed to supporting contemporary classical music.

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