Composer

:

Philip Stopford

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

1:37

'God be in my head' is a choral work composed by Philip Stopford, a British composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 2002 and premiered in the same year. It is a short, four-part choral setting of a traditional English prayer, which is often used as a benediction or closing prayer in church services. The piece is divided into two movements, with the first movement being a simple and gentle setting of the prayer. The second movement is a more complex and harmonically rich setting of the same text, with the addition of a descant in the soprano part. The piece is written for SATB choir, with the melody carried by the sopranos and altos, and the tenors and basses providing a supportive harmonic foundation. The characteristics of 'God be in my head' are reflective of Stopford's style as a composer, which is characterized by a focus on melody, harmony, and text. The piece is simple and accessible, with a clear and memorable melody that is easy to sing and easy to remember. The harmonies are rich and expressive, providing a sense of depth and emotion to the piece. The text is the focus of the piece, with the music serving to support and enhance the meaning of the words. Overall, 'God be in my head' is a beautiful and moving choral work that is well-suited for use in church services or other settings where a benediction or closing prayer is appropriate. Its simplicity and accessibility make it a popular choice for choirs of all levels, while its rich harmonies and expressive melodies make it a rewarding piece for more experienced singers.

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