Composer

:

Herbert Brewer

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1900

Average_duration

:

2:17

"Prevent us, o Lord" is a choral anthem composed by Herbert Brewer, an English composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1912 and premiered at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England, the same year. The anthem is written in four movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is marked "Andante maestoso" and is in a minor key. It begins with a solemn and mournful melody sung by the choir, accompanied by the organ. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is in a major key. It is more upbeat and joyful than the first movement, with a lively melody and a faster tempo. The third movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is in a minor key. It is slower and more contemplative than the second movement, with a haunting melody that builds to a powerful climax. The final movement is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and is in a major key. It is the most energetic and triumphant of the four movements, with a lively melody and a fast tempo. The text of the anthem is taken from the Book of Common Prayer and is a prayer for protection and guidance. The first verse reads: "Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Brewer's setting of the text is masterful, with the music perfectly complementing the words. The mournful melody of the first movement reflects the prayer for protection, while the joyful melody of the second movement reflects the prayer for guidance. The haunting melody of the third movement reflects the contemplative nature of the prayer, while the triumphant melody of the final movement reflects the hope for eternal life. Overall, "Prevent us, O Lord" is a beautiful and powerful choral anthem that showcases Brewer's skill as a composer and organist. Its four movements each have their own distinct characteristics, and the text is perfectly set to music. It remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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