Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Kirke Mechem
The King’s Contest (1974)
- G Schirmer Inc (World)
- 3333/4331/timp.4perc/hp/str
- 1111/1000/[perc]/pf/str(1.1.1.1.1)
- Chorus
- mezzo soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
- 26 min
- from the Apocrypha
- English
Programme Note
Synopsis:
A tale from the Old Testament Apocrypha, in which three young men contest for the King’s favour by naming the strongest force on Earth. The baritone says Wine, the bass says The King and the tenor says Women; each is supported by a different instrumental group, who join the arguments. The mezzo-soprano is narrator, assisted by the chorus, which also serves as Grand Jury, questioning, disputing and finally awarding the prize to a fourth force judged to be mightier than all the others – Truth.
A tale from the Old Testament Apocrypha, in which three young men contest for the King’s favour by naming the strongest force on Earth. The baritone says Wine, the bass says The King and the tenor says Women; each is supported by a different instrumental group, who join the arguments. The mezzo-soprano is narrator, assisted by the chorus, which also serves as Grand Jury, questioning, disputing and finally awarding the prize to a fourth force judged to be mightier than all the others – Truth.
Scores
Orchestral Score
Chamber Score
Features
- Kirke Mechem at 100
- Born and raised in Kansas, composer Kirke Mechem has enjoyed an unusually long, productive, and influential musical career. Mechem celebrates his 100th birthday on August 16, 2025.