Composer

:

Thomas Tallis

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:39

"Discomfort them, O Lord" is a choral work composed by Thomas Tallis, one of the most prominent English composers of the Renaissance period. The piece was likely composed in the mid-16th century, during the reign of Queen Mary I, and was likely intended for use in the liturgy of the Catholic Church. The work is structured in four movements, each of which is based on a different text from the Book of Psalms. The first movement, "Discomfort them, O Lord," is a setting of Psalm 35:4-6, which asks God to confound and defeat the enemies of the faithful. The second movement, "Let them be confounded," is a setting of Psalm 70:2-3, which asks God to shame and humiliate those who seek to harm the faithful. The third movement, "Turn thee, O Lord," is a setting of Psalm 6:3-4, which asks God to have mercy on the faithful and heal their afflictions. The final movement, "In thee, O Lord," is a setting of Psalm 31:1-2, which expresses trust in God's protection and salvation. The work is characterized by Tallis's skillful use of polyphony, a technique in which multiple voices sing different melodies simultaneously. The voices in "Discomfort them, O Lord" are often divided into two or three parts, creating a rich and complex texture. The work also features frequent use of dissonance, or notes that clash with each other, which creates a sense of tension and urgency. "Discomfort them, O Lord" was likely premiered in a Catholic church in England during the mid-16th century. At the time, England was undergoing a period of religious upheaval, as the country shifted back and forth between Catholicism and Protestantism. The work's themes of persecution, suffering, and trust in God's protection would have resonated with many Catholics who were facing persecution and discrimination under the Protestant regime. Today, "Discomfort them, O Lord" remains a popular choral work, and is often performed by choirs around the world. Its powerful themes and complex musical structure continue to captivate audiences and inspire musicians centuries after its composition.

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