Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1959 - 1960

Average_duration

:

3:09

Herbert Howells' "Hymn for St Cecilia" is a choral work that was composed in 1940. It was premiered on November 22, 1942, at the annual festival of the Three Choirs in Gloucester Cathedral. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, "A Hymn to Saint Cecilia," is a setting of a poem by W.H. Auden. It begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening lines, "In a garden shady this holy lady / With reverent cadence and subtle psalm." The choir then enters, singing in unison, before breaking into four-part harmony. The movement is characterized by its flowing, lyrical lines and rich harmonies. The second movement, "A Chorale for St Cecilia," is a more contemplative piece. It begins with a solo tenor voice singing a simple melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The harmonies are more sparse than in the first movement, and the overall effect is one of quiet introspection. The final movement, "A Hymn of St Cecilia," is the most exuberant of the three. It begins with a fanfare-like introduction, before the choir enters with a joyful melody. The harmonies are more complex than in the previous movements, and there are frequent shifts in tempo and dynamics. The movement ends with a triumphant flourish. Overall, "Hymn for St Cecilia" is a work of great beauty and emotional depth. Howells' use of rich harmonies and flowing melodies creates a sense of reverence and awe, while the shifts in tempo and dynamics keep the listener engaged throughout. The piece is a fitting tribute to St Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and a testament to Howells' skill as a composer.

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