Composer

:

Edward Elgar

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1914

Average_duration

:

3:32

'Fear not, O Land' is a choral work composed by Edward Elgar in 1914. It was written as a response to the outbreak of World War I and was premiered on October 4, 1914, at the Worcester Festival. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a somber and mournful melody in the lower voices. The choir then sings the text, "Fear not, O Land, be glad and rejoice," which is taken from the book of Joel in the Bible. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in unison before breaking into four-part harmony. The movement ends with a return to the mournful melody from the beginning. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is much more upbeat and energetic than the first. The choir sings the text, "The Lord will comfort Zion," which is also taken from the book of Joel. The music is characterized by fast-paced rhythms and intricate harmonies, with the choir often singing in a call-and-response style. The movement ends with a triumphant and joyful climax. The final movement, marked "Moderato e maestoso," is the longest and most complex of the three. The choir sings the text, "The Lord hath taken away thy judgments," which is taken from the book of Zephaniah. The music is characterized by lush harmonies and soaring melodies, with the choir often singing in a homophonic style. The movement builds to a powerful climax before ending with a quiet and peaceful coda. Overall, 'Fear not, O Land' is a powerful and emotional work that reflects the turmoil and uncertainty of the time in which it was written. Elgar's use of biblical texts and intricate harmonies creates a sense of both hope and despair, reflecting the complex emotions of the people living through the war.

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