Composer

:

William Crotch

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:56

William Crotch was an English composer, organist, and music teacher who lived from 1775 to 1847. He was a child prodigy who began composing at the age of five and was appointed as the organist of Christ Church, Oxford at the age of 17. He later became the professor of music at Oxford University and was known for his choral music, including his anthem "Blessed Is He That Considereth the Poor and Needy." The anthem was composed in 1811 and premiered at the installation of the Duke of Wellington as Chancellor of the University of Oxford. It is a four-movement work for choir and organ, with a text taken from Psalm 41. The first movement is a slow and solemn introduction, with the choir singing the words "Blessed is he that considereth the poor and needy." The second movement is a lively fugue, with the choir singing "The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive." The third movement is a slower and more contemplative section, with the choir singing "The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing." The final movement is a triumphant conclusion, with the choir singing "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen." The anthem is characterized by its use of counterpoint and harmony, as well as its expressive use of the text. Crotch was known for his skill in writing choral music that was both technically challenging and emotionally powerful, and "Blessed Is He That Considereth the Poor and Needy" is a prime example of this. The anthem has remained a popular piece in the choral repertoire and is often performed in church services and concerts.

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