In the Beginning is a 1947 choral work by Aaron Copland to a text from the Book of Genesis chapter 1:1 to 2:7.[1] The 15'–20' minute long work is for mixed four-part chorus a capella and soprano or mezzo-soprano solo. The work is evocative of the Hebrew davening and shows the influence of polytonality with references to jazz and blues. In the Beginning was composed for Harvard University's Symposium on Music Criticism in May 1947. The premiere was performed by the Collegiate Chorale at the Harvard Memorial Church, Cambridge on 2 May of that year, conducted by Robert Shaw.

Recordings

References

  1. ^ Encyclopedia of Modern Jewish Culture ed. Glenda Abramson- 1134428650 2004 Page 176 "He again drew upon the Bible for his 1947 cantata In the Beginning (Genesis I:1–II:7), a work evocative of davening.. But whereas the biblical account of Creation culminates in an abstraction, the Sabbath, Copland chose the creation of man for his conclusion.
  2. ^ “James Morrow leads the University of Texas Chamber Singers in a program of pieces by Persichetti, Ives, Corigliano, Foss, and yes, Copland …. A demanding group, choral music fans should find much to enjoy here… this disc has an enjoyable variety of structure and technique.” Opera Today
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