The structure of Nativity is made-up of three interleaved main sections that are book-ended with an introduction and coda. Each reflects the changing connotations within the text. The introductory section for example, encompasses the joint meaning within both passages. A further example is when new harmonic and rhythmic ideas are introduced to accompany the text ‘Weak enough now into the world to come’ as it is a particularly poignant and intimate phrase. At this point the tonality suddenly shifts to a modally inflected region around D at a softer dynamic and the chorus presents a gentle rocking rhythm in the same modal region in contrast to the piercing rhythms and dynamics of the previous phrase.
By using two vocal groups, I was able to experiment with complementary, contrasting and antiphonal rhythms. For example when the slow moving solo voices are punctuated with quicker, articulated rhythms and swelling dynamics, thus agitating the rhythmic flow. How the words are set also contributes to a varied sound mass. The verse ‘He is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness…’ is intermittently broken down into smaller phrases of varying length throughout the piece. The text by Donne is an account of the Nativity and was therefore interpreted as celebratory; focusing on the word ‘light’ from the parallel text encapsulates this effectively. By repeating the word in quick succession, an added percussive and therefore exciting element is created due to the recurring consonants.
Hannah Kendall