Composer

:

Christopher Robinson

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

03:07

"Jesu, grant me this, I pray" is a choral work composed by Christopher Robinson, an English composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1985 and premiered in the same year by the choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, where Robinson was the director of music at the time. The piece is a setting of a prayer attributed to Sir Thomas More, a 16th-century English statesman and writer. The text of the prayer is a plea for divine guidance and protection, and Robinson's setting captures the solemnity and reverence of the words. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is characterized by a flowing, chant-like melody in the upper voices, accompanied by a simple, hymn-like harmony in the lower voices. The second movement is marked "Andante" and is more introspective, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The final movement is marked "Allegro" and is more joyful and celebratory, with a lively melody and energetic rhythms. Throughout the piece, Robinson employs a variety of choral techniques to create a rich and expressive sound. The use of unison and harmony, as well as the alternation between solo and choral passages, creates a sense of depth and texture. The use of dynamics, from the softest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo, adds to the emotional impact of the piece. Overall, "Jesu, grant me this, I pray" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Robinson's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the choral tradition. Its timeless message of faith and devotion continues to resonate with audiences today.

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