Composer

:

Edward Elgar

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1911

Average_duration

:

4:03

"O Hearken Thou" is a choral work composed by Edward Elgar in 1911. It was premiered on October 3, 1911, at the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival, with the composer conducting. The piece is part of a larger work called "The Kingdom," which is a biblical oratorio in two parts. "O Hearken Thou" is the opening chorus of the second part of "The Kingdom." It is a four-part choral work with organ accompaniment. The piece is in the key of E-flat major and is marked "Andante maestoso." The tempo is slow and majestic, with a sense of grandeur and solemnity. The piece begins with a solo organ introduction, which sets the mood for the choral entrance. The choir enters with the words "O hearken Thou to our voice," sung in unison. The melody is simple and straightforward, with a sense of urgency and pleading. The choir then divides into four parts, with each section singing a different melody that weaves together to create a rich and complex texture. The second section of the piece is marked "Allegro moderato," and the tempo picks up slightly. The choir sings "The Lord is my strength and my shield," with a sense of triumph and joy. The melody is more complex than the opening section, with intricate harmonies and counterpoint. The third section of the piece is marked "Andante," and the tempo slows down again. The choir sings "He hath delivered my soul from death," with a sense of gratitude and reverence. The melody is simple and beautiful, with a sense of peace and serenity. The final section of the piece is marked "Allegro," and the tempo picks up again. The choir sings "Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee," with a sense of exultation and praise. The melody is triumphant and joyful, with a sense of celebration and thanksgiving. Overall, "O Hearken Thou" is a beautiful and powerful choral work that showcases Elgar's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its grandeur, solemnity, and complex harmonies and counterpoint. It is a fitting opening to the second part of "The Kingdom," which tells the story of the early Christian church.

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