Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:26

Herbert Howells' 'O Salutaris Hostia for chorus' is a sacred choral work that was composed in 1964. It was premiered on 22nd November 1964 at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England. The piece is written for a four-part mixed choir, and it is approximately three minutes in length. The work is divided into two movements. The first movement is marked 'Moderato' and is in a simple triple meter. The second movement is marked 'Andante' and is in a compound duple meter. The two movements are connected by a brief organ interlude. The first movement begins with a unison statement of the text 'O Salutaris Hostia' by the choir. The melody is simple and chant-like, with a gentle rise and fall in pitch. The choir then divides into four parts, with the melody passed between the different sections. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromatic inflections. The movement ends with a return to the unison statement of the opening text. The second movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the text 'Ave verum corpus natum'. The choir then enters with a gentle, flowing melody that is reminiscent of a lullaby. The harmonies are mostly consonant, with occasional dissonances that add a touch of poignancy to the music. The movement builds to a climax with a full choir statement of the text 'O Jesu dulcis, O Jesu pie'. The music then subsides into a quiet, peaceful ending. Overall, 'O Salutaris Hostia for chorus' is a beautiful and contemplative work that showcases Howells' skill in writing for choir. The simple melodies and harmonies are perfectly suited to the sacred text, and the work is a testament to Howells' deep faith and devotion.

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