Composer

:

Thomas Weelkes

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Publication Date

:

1966

Average_duration

:

3:56

Thomas Weelkes was an English composer who lived from 1576 to 1623. He was a contemporary of William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons, and is known for his contributions to the English madrigal genre. One of his most famous works is "O Lord, grant the king a long life," which was composed in the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed for the coronation of James I in 1603, and was first performed at the banquet following the ceremony. It is a choral work, written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), and is set to a text from Psalm 61:6-7. The piece is in the key of G major and is written in a homophonic style, with all four voices singing the same text at the same time. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a prayer for the king's long life, and is marked by a slow and solemn tempo. The second movement is more lively and celebratory, with the text asking for the king's blessings to be extended to his people. The final movement returns to the slower tempo of the first, with the text asking for the king's reign to be blessed by God. One of the characteristics of Weelkes' style in this piece is his use of word painting. For example, in the second movement, the text "May he defend our cause" is set to a rising melody, which gives the impression of a shield being raised in defense. Weelkes also uses chromaticism in the piece, which was a relatively new technique at the time. This can be heard in the descending chromatic line in the bass part in the first movement. Overall, "O Lord, grant the king a long life" is a beautiful and well-crafted choral work that showcases Weelkes' skill as a composer. Its use of word painting and chromaticism make it a unique and interesting piece, and its historical context adds to its significance.

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