Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1687

Average_duration

:

9:36

Behold, I bring you glad tidings, Z. 2 is a sacred choral work composed by Henry Purcell in 1689. It was written for the Christmas season and was first performed at St. James's Church in London. The work consists of four movements and is scored for four-part choir, soloists, and continuo. The first movement, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings," is a lively and joyful chorus that sets the tone for the entire work. The choir sings in unison, with the soloists adding ornamentation and embellishment to the melody. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and lively tempo. The second movement, "For unto us a child is born," is a solo aria for alto. The music is more subdued than the opening chorus, with a slower tempo and more lyrical melody. The alto soloist sings of the birth of Jesus and the joy that his arrival brings. The third movement, "Glory to God in the highest," is another chorus, this time featuring the full choir. The music is grand and majestic, with the choir singing in harmony and the soloists adding ornamentation to the melody. The tempo is faster than the second movement, and the music is characterized by its exuberance and celebratory tone. The final movement, "Hallelujah," is perhaps the most famous of the four. It is a chorus that features the full choir and soloists, and is characterized by its soaring melody and triumphant tone. The music is fast-paced and energetic, with the choir and soloists singing in harmony and the music building to a grand climax. Overall, Behold, I bring you glad tidings, Z. 2 is a masterful work that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its lively rhythms, joyful melodies, and celebratory tone, making it a perfect choice for the Christmas season.

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