Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

5:18

Herbert Howells' "The Fear of the Lord" is a choral work that was composed in 1953. It was premiered on October 22, 1953, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "The Fear of the Lord," is marked by a sense of awe and reverence. The choir sings in unison, creating a powerful and unified sound. The music is slow and deliberate, with long, sustained notes that create a sense of stillness and contemplation. The lyrics are taken from Psalm 111:10, which reads, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding." The second movement, "The Lord is My Shepherd," is a setting of Psalm 23. The music is more lively and upbeat than the first movement, with a sense of joy and comfort. The choir sings in harmony, with each voice part weaving in and out of the others. The music is marked by sudden shifts in dynamics, with moments of quiet reflection followed by bursts of energy and excitement. The final movement, "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes," is a setting of Psalm 121. The music is marked by a sense of hope and optimism, with the choir singing in harmony and the music building to a powerful climax. The lyrics speak of God's protection and guidance, and the music reflects this with a sense of strength and assurance. Overall, "The Fear of the Lord" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Howells' skill as a composer. The music is marked by a sense of reverence, joy, and hope, and the lyrics speak to the power and majesty of God. It remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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