Composer

:

Howard Goodall

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:18

"The Lord is my shepherd" is a choral work composed by Howard Goodall, a British composer, in 1994. The piece was premiered in the same year by the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, under the direction of Stephen Darlington. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different biblical text. The first movement, "The Lord is my shepherd," is based on Psalm 23 and features a solo soprano singing the opening verse. The choir then joins in with a simple, yet beautiful melody that is repeated throughout the movement. The second movement, "The Call of Wisdom," is based on Proverbs 8 and features a solo alto singing the text. The choir then joins in with a more complex and intricate melody that builds to a powerful climax. The final movement, "Love Divine," is based on a hymn by Charles Wesley and features the full choir singing a beautiful and uplifting melody. The characteristics of "The Lord is my shepherd" are reflective of Goodall's style, which is characterized by a blend of classical and popular music. The work features simple, yet beautiful melodies that are easy to sing and remember. The harmonies are rich and lush, and the use of soloists adds a personal and intimate touch to the piece. The work is also notable for its use of repetition, which creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the three movements. Overall, "The Lord is my shepherd" is a beautiful and uplifting choral work that has become a popular choice for choirs around the world. Its simple yet powerful melodies and rich harmonies make it a joy to sing and listen to, and its message of faith and hope is sure to inspire all who hear it.

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