Composer

:

Edward Bairstow

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1916

Average_duration

:

4:46

'Lord, I Call on Thee' is a choral work composed by Edward Bairstow, an English composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1913 and premiered in the same year at York Minster, where Bairstow served as the organist and choirmaster. The work is a setting of Psalm 141, which is a prayer for protection and guidance. The piece is written for four-part choir, with the melody carried by the soprano and tenor voices. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies, which convey the emotional depth of the text. The work is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement is marked "Moderato," and begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the soprano voice. The other voices gradually join in, building to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective section. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, sung softly by the choir. The second movement is marked "Andante con moto," and is more dramatic than the first. The melody is more angular and dissonant, reflecting the psalmist's plea for protection from his enemies. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The final movement is marked "Moderato e molto espressivo," and is the most contemplative of the three. The melody is simple and hymn-like, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The harmonies are rich and expressive, conveying the psalmist's trust in God's guidance and protection. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence, bringing the work to a gentle close. Overall, 'Lord, I Call on Thee' is a powerful and expressive choral work that showcases Bairstow's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and emotional depth, making it a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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