Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

5:18

"God is with us" is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 1987. The piece was premiered on December 16, 1987, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, by the London Sinfonietta and the London Sinfonietta Chorus, conducted by David Atherton. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "God is with us," is a setting of the Orthodox hymn "O Emmanuel." The music is slow and meditative, with the choir singing in unison and the orchestra providing a gentle accompaniment. The second movement, "A Nativity," is a setting of the text from the Gospel of Luke describing the birth of Jesus. The music is more lively and joyful, with the choir singing in harmony and the orchestra providing a more energetic accompaniment. The third movement, "Epiphany," is a setting of the Orthodox hymn "O Baptism of Christ." The music is more contemplative than the second movement, with the choir singing in unison and the orchestra providing a more subdued accompaniment. The piece is characterized by Tavener's use of traditional Orthodox liturgical texts and his incorporation of Eastern musical elements, such as the use of drones and the repetition of melodic motifs. The music is also characterized by its simplicity and directness, with Tavener eschewing complex harmonies and rhythms in favor of a more straightforward approach. Overall, "God is with us" is a powerful and moving work that captures the essence of the Christmas story in a way that is both timeless and contemporary. Its combination of traditional and modern elements makes it a unique and compelling addition to the choral repertoire.

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