An Examination of Selected Choral Works by Judith Bingham

Judith Bingham (1952- ) is the most acclaimed female British composer at this time. Her work encompasses most genres; however, a quarter of her compositions are choral. In spite of her fame in Britain, outside of that country she is not well known. Ms. Bingham¿s contribution to choral literature is quite varied. This book analyzes five of Judith Bingham¿s choral works in depth. These pieces cover the main types of her choral compositions: Water Lilies (1999), The Drowned Lovers (2000, revised in 2009), Missa Brevis ¿The Road to Emmaeus¿ (2003), Ghost Towns of the American West (2006), and First Light (2001). The analysis consists of a study of form, texture, harmony, melody, rhythm, text, and accompaniment if accompanied. The study also includes a brief biography of Ms. Bingham, a catalog of her choral literature to date, and four interviews, incorporating a lengthy talk with Ms. Bingham, herself.