Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

ca. 1681

Average_duration

:

3:38

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

'Lord, how long wilt Thou be angry, Z. 25' is a sacred choral work composed by Henry Purcell in the late 17th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1680s, during Purcell's tenure as organist at Westminster Abbey. It was first performed at a service at the Abbey, and later published in the composer's collection of sacred music, 'Harmonia Sacra'. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of Psalm 79. The first movement, marked 'Largo', is a somber and mournful setting of the psalm's opening verses, in which the psalmist laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the desecration of the Temple. The music is characterized by slow, mournful melodies and rich harmonies, which convey a sense of grief and despair. The second movement, marked 'Allegro', is a more upbeat and energetic setting of the psalm's middle verses, in which the psalmist pleads with God to forgive his people and spare them from further punishment. The music is characterized by lively rhythms and bright, optimistic harmonies, which convey a sense of hope and optimism. The final movement, marked 'Adagio', is a quiet and introspective setting of the psalm's closing verses, in which the psalmist expresses his faith in God's mercy and his confidence that God will ultimately deliver his people from their troubles. The music is characterized by gentle, flowing melodies and delicate harmonies, which convey a sense of peace and tranquility. Overall, 'Lord, how long wilt Thou be angry, Z. 25' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and thoughtful text setting make it a masterpiece of the English choral tradition.

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