Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

1:45

'God Be in My Head' is a choral composition by John Rutter, a British composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1980 and premiered in the same year. It is a short, four-part choral setting of a traditional prayer that dates back to the 16th century. The piece is divided into two movements, with the first movement being a simple and straightforward setting of the prayer. The second movement is a more complex and harmonically rich setting of the same text. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and beauty, with Rutter's signature use of lush harmonies and gentle melodies. The text of the prayer is a plea for God's presence and guidance in all aspects of life, from waking to sleeping, from birth to death. The prayer is often used as a blessing or benediction in Christian worship services, and Rutter's setting of the text captures the essence of this tradition. The first movement of the piece begins with a simple unison melody, which is then harmonized by the other voices. The harmonies are gentle and soothing, with a sense of peace and calm. The second movement begins with a more complex and dissonant harmony, which gradually resolves into a more consonant and harmonious sound. The melody is more intricate and varied, with a sense of movement and progression. Overall, 'God Be in My Head' is a beautiful and moving choral composition that captures the essence of the traditional prayer. Rutter's use of lush harmonies and gentle melodies creates a sense of peace and calm, while the more complex harmonies in the second movement add a sense of movement and progression. The piece is a testament to Rutter's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a traditional text in a modern setting.

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