Composer

:

Charles Wood

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:58

"When thou art nigh" is a choral work composed by Charles Wood, an English composer and organist, in 1913. The piece was premiered in the same year at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The work is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Andante con moto," is a gentle and flowing setting of the text "When thou art nigh." The second movement, marked "Allegro moderato," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the text "My heart is fixed." The third movement, marked "Andante sostenuto," is a solemn and contemplative setting of the text "O Lord, thou hast searched me out." The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a triumphant and energetic setting of the text "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace." Wood's use of harmony and counterpoint is particularly noteworthy in "When thou art nigh." The work features rich and complex harmonies, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances to create tension and release. The counterpoint is also highly intricate, with multiple voices weaving in and out of each other to create a dense and layered texture. Overall, "When thou art nigh" is a masterful example of Wood's skill as a composer. Its combination of rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive text setting make it a powerful and moving work that continues to be performed and admired today.

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