Jessica Curry: All the Earth
Context
British composer Jessica Curry is a well-known voice on classical radio stations such as Classic FM. She is also known for her stand-out video game soundtracks, such as her music for the 2015 game Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, which won her a BAFTA. Her score for this game also won ‘Best Score’ at the Emotional Games Awards and also won four GANG Awards in the US. Curry commented that this score was “the first time I would say that I wrote a truly interactive score.”
All the Earth features on this award-winning soundtrack and is composed for solo voice, chorus and orchestra.
The Lyrics
Their line is gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.
How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord?
For ever?
How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
The Music
Opening with the solo voice, which can either be sung by a soprano or a choirboy, the purity in the voice resonates with the listener. The space that Curry leaves between lines is also significant as it offers space in the music for reflection. There is a sense of vulnerability in the voice, making this opening even more poignant.
Drone notes begin to emerge from the strings, which leads to the choir entering and reinstating the opening lines of the song. The sparse orchestral accompaniment keeps the importance on the lyrics and the voices. The clarinet interweaves with the voices, with its woody tone blending nicely. The piece finishes quietly.
Final Thoughts
Under two minutes in length, Jessica Curry’s All the Earth is effective and alluring. The pure solo voice at the start makes the chorus entry even more significant as the voices come together. A really intriguing piece of music.
Ⓒ Alex Burns
Happy Reading!
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