Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1917

Average_duration

:

9:19

"By the Waters of Babylon" is a choral work composed by Herbert Howells in 1921. The piece was premiered in 1922 by the choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of Boris Ord. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Andante moderato," begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the soprano voices. The choir gradually builds in intensity, with the tenors and basses adding a rich harmonic foundation. The text for this movement is taken from Psalm 137, which describes the Israelites' lamentation by the rivers of Babylon. Howells' setting captures the mournful tone of the text, with the choir's harmonies evoking a sense of longing and sadness. The second movement, marked "Allegro moderato," is a lively and rhythmic setting of Psalm 126. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional bursts of harmony. The text describes the joy of the Israelites upon returning to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. Howells' music captures the exuberance of the text, with the choir's energetic singing conveying a sense of celebration and triumph. The final movement, marked "Andante sostenuto," returns to the mournful tone of the first movement. The text for this movement is taken from Psalm 137, which describes the Israelites' vow to never forget Jerusalem. Howells' setting is haunting and ethereal, with the choir's harmonies creating a sense of otherworldliness. The movement ends with a quiet, contemplative passage in the soprano voices, bringing the piece to a peaceful close. Overall, "By the Waters of Babylon" is a powerful and evocative choral work that showcases Howells' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and sensitive treatment of the text.

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