Composer

:

John Blow

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1697

Average_duration

:

4:32

John Blow's "My God, my God, look upon me" is a sacred vocal work that was composed in the late 17th century. It was premiered in 1685, during the reign of King James II, at the Chapel Royal in London. The piece is a setting of Psalm 22, which is a lamentation of the psalmist who feels abandoned by God. The work is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalmist's plea. The first movement is a somber and introspective aria that begins with the words "My God, my God, look upon me." The music is slow and mournful, with long, sustained notes that convey a sense of despair and longing. The second movement is a lively and rhythmic chorus that expresses the psalmist's hope and trust in God. The music is upbeat and energetic, with a driving rhythm that suggests a sense of urgency and determination. The final movement is a quiet and contemplative aria that reflects the psalmist's acceptance of God's will. The music is gentle and peaceful, with a sense of resignation and surrender. Blow's setting of Psalm 22 is characterized by its expressive and emotional qualities. The music is deeply personal and introspective, reflecting the psalmist's innermost thoughts and feelings. The use of dissonance and chromaticism adds to the sense of tension and conflict in the music, while the use of simple, memorable melodies makes the work accessible and easy to follow. Overall, "My God, my God, look upon me" is a powerful and moving work that reflects the spiritual struggles of the psalmist. It is a testament to John Blow's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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