Composer

:

Leo Sowerby

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

6:46

"Turn thou to thy God" is a choral work composed by Leo Sowerby, an American composer and church musician. The piece was composed in 1941 and premiered on October 26, 1941, at the First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, Illinois. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement, marked "Moderato," is a setting of the text from Hosea 14:1-2, "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God." The music is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody in the choir, accompanied by a gentle, undulating piano part. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely," before subsiding into a quiet, reflective conclusion. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a setting of the text from Psalm 51:10-12, "Create in me a clean heart, O God." The music is more rhythmic and energetic than the first movement, with a lively piano accompaniment and a syncopated choral melody. The movement features a solo soprano line, which soars above the choir in a virtuosic display of vocal agility. The movement ends with a triumphant declaration of faith, as the choir sings "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation." The final movement, marked "Andante," is a setting of the text from Psalm 130:1-2, "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord." The music is more introspective and contemplative than the previous movements, with a hauntingly beautiful choral melody and a sparse, atmospheric piano accompaniment. The movement features a solo tenor line, which sings the plaintive text "If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?" The movement ends with a quiet, prayerful conclusion, as the choir sings "But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared." Overall, "Turn thou to thy God" is a powerful and moving work, which showcases Sowerby's skill as a composer and his deep faith as a Christian. The piece is characterized by its beautiful melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive use of text painting, which bring the biblical texts to life in a profound and meaningful way.

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