Composer

:

Healey Willan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1928

Publication Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

1:29

'Preserve Us, O Lord, HWC 310' is a choral work composed by Healey Willan, a Canadian composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1941 and premiered on March 22, 1942, at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto, Canada. The piece is written for four-part mixed choir and is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is in a minor key. It begins with a unison chant-like melody in the tenors and basses, which is then taken up by the sopranos and altos. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement is marked "Andante" and is in a major key. It begins with a solo soprano singing the text "O Lord, arise, help us and deliver us for thy name's sake." The choir then enters with a homophonic setting of the text, which is repeated several times. The movement is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies. The third movement is marked "Allegro" and is in a minor key. It begins with a lively and rhythmic melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the altos, tenors, and basses. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and lively rhythms, which create a sense of energy and excitement. Overall, 'Preserve Us, O Lord, HWC 310' is a powerful and expressive choral work that showcases Willan's skill as a composer. Its use of dissonance, chromaticism, rich harmonies, and lively rhythms create a sense of urgency, expression, and energy that make it a memorable and impactful piece of music.

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