Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

'A Grace for 10 Downing Street' is a choral work composed by Herbert Howells in 1941. The piece was written for the Prime Minister's Christmas dinner at 10 Downing Street during World War II. It is a short, unaccompanied choral work that lasts for approximately two minutes. The piece is divided into two movements. The first movement is a setting of the traditional grace before meals, "Bless, O Lord, us thy servants." The second movement is a setting of the doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." The two movements are seamlessly connected, with the doxology following immediately after the grace. The piece is characterized by its simple, yet powerful harmonies and its use of homophonic textures. The melody is primarily sung by the sopranos, with the other voices providing harmonic support. The piece is also characterized by its use of dynamic contrasts, with the volume rising and falling throughout the piece. Overall, 'A Grace for 10 Downing Street' is a beautiful and moving choral work that reflects the solemnity and gravity of the time in which it was composed. Its simplicity and elegance make it a timeless piece that continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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