Composer

:

Leo Sowerby

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

8:35

"Great is the Lord" is a choral work composed by Leo Sowerby, an American composer and church musician. The piece was composed in 1942 and premiered on May 3, 1942, at the Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago, Illinois. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," is a lively and energetic setting of Psalm 48. The choir sings the text in unison, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The organ provides a driving accompaniment, with frequent use of pedal tones and rhythmic ostinatos. The movement ends with a triumphant statement of the text "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised." The second movement, marked "Andante," is a more contemplative setting of Psalm 139. The choir sings the text in a homophonic style, with occasional imitative passages. The organ provides a gentle accompaniment, with soft chords and delicate figurations. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful statement of the text "Search me, O God, and know my heart." The third movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a fiery setting of Psalm 97. The choir sings the text in a declamatory style, with frequent use of syncopation and rhythmic accents. The organ provides a powerful accompaniment, with full chords and virtuosic figurations. The movement ends with a thrilling statement of the text "The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice." Overall, "Great is the Lord" is a powerful and dynamic work that showcases Sowerby's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of choral and organ music. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of sacred music and the ability of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

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