Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1906

Publication Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

2:26

"Firmly I Believe and Truly Shipston" is a choral work composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1947. It was premiered on October 22, 1947, at the consecration of the new church of St. Edmund, King and Martyr, in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, England. The piece is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "Firmly I Believe," is a setting of a hymn text by Henry F. Lyte. It begins with a simple unison melody that gradually builds in intensity as the choir adds harmonies and counterpoint. The second movement, "The Lord's Prayer," is a setting of the familiar text in a gentle, flowing style. The third movement, "The Beatitudes," is a setting of the first part of the Sermon on the Mount. It begins with a solo soprano voice singing the first beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," and gradually builds to a full choir singing all eight beatitudes in rich harmonies. The final movement, "Shipston," is a setting of a poem by Ursula Vaughan Williams, the composer's wife. It is a joyful celebration of the town of Shipston-on-Stour and its people, with a lively melody and energetic rhythms. Overall, "Firmly I Believe and Truly Shipston" is a beautiful and uplifting choral work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and a sense of joy and celebration. It is a fitting tribute to the town of Shipston-on-Stour and a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

More....