The Singers

God sent his singers upon earth This richly varied setting of Henry W. Longfellow's poem is characterised by a rousing frame section which conveys God's intentions. In the middle section, each of the three singers - a young, a grown and an old man, who symbolise entertainment, encouragement and instruction - is given an independent theme: a lyrically charming soprano melody is followed by a gripping tenor theme, while the third theme sets in, solemn and measured, in the bass. In a recitative section, a solo quartet convincingly presents the debate which is the best, preparing with increasing suspense the return of the frame section. An immediately appealing and melodically captivating choral piece for a variety of occasions.