Composer

:

John Stainer

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1871

Average_duration

:

2:45

"How Beautiful Upon the Mountain" is a choral work composed by John Stainer, an English composer and organist, in 1872. The piece was premiered on June 13, 1872, at the opening of the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement, "How Beautiful Upon the Mountain," is a grand and majestic setting of the text from Isaiah 52:7. The music is characterized by soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and powerful choral writing. The second movement, "The Watchman Said," is a more subdued and introspective setting of the text from Isaiah 21:11-12. The music is marked by a sense of anticipation and longing, with the choir singing in a hushed and reverent tone. The final movement, "Break Forth into Joy," is a triumphant and exuberant setting of the text from Isaiah 52:9-10. The music is characterized by lively rhythms, joyful melodies, and exultant choral writing. Overall, "How Beautiful Upon the Mountain" is a masterful work of choral music that showcases Stainer's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the text and its meaning. The piece is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit, and it remains a beloved and enduring work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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