Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

4:08

"Behold, O God Our Defender" is a choral work composed by Herbert Howells in 1954. It was premiered on June 29, 1954, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The piece is written for a four-part choir (SATB) and is approximately four minutes in length. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a slow and solemn introduction, with the choir singing the words "Behold, O God our defender" in unison. The music then builds in intensity as the choir sings the words "and look upon the face of thine anointed." The movement ends with a quiet and reflective section, with the choir singing the words "For one day in thy courts is better than a thousand." The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with the choir singing the words "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God." The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and shifting harmonies, which create a sense of energy and movement. The final movement returns to the solemn mood of the first, with the choir singing the words "For the Lord God is a sun and shield." The music is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and soaring melodies, which create a sense of awe and reverence. Overall, "Behold, O God Our Defender" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Howells' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of shifting harmonies, rich melodies, and a sense of reverence and awe. It remains a popular work in the choral repertoire to this day.

More....