Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1685

Average_duration

:

4:35

"I was glad when they said unto me" is a choral anthem composed by Henry Purcell in 1685. It was written for the coronation of King James II and Queen Mary II of England, which took place on April 23, 1685, at Westminster Abbey. The anthem is divided into three movements. The first movement is a grand and majestic setting of Psalm 122, verse 1: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." The music is characterized by its use of antiphonal choirs, with one choir singing the opening phrase and the other choir responding with a powerful "Amen." The music builds to a climax with the words "Jerusalem is built as a city," which is repeated several times with increasing intensity. The second movement is a more reflective setting of Psalm 122, verses 2-3: "Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together." The music is more subdued than the first movement, with a gentle melody and a more homophonic texture. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies and imitative passages. The third movement is a joyful setting of Psalm 122, verse 4: "Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord." The music is characterized by its lively rhythms and syncopated melodies, with the choir singing in a more contrapuntal style. The movement ends with a triumphant "Amen," bringing the anthem to a rousing conclusion. Overall, "I was glad when they said unto me" is a magnificent example of Purcell's choral writing, showcasing his ability to create grand and majestic music as well as more intimate and reflective passages. The use of antiphonal choirs, syncopated rhythms, and powerful harmonies all contribute to the anthem's dramatic impact, making it a fitting tribute to the coronation of King James II and Queen Mary II.

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