Composer

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John Stainer

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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3:12

'God So Loved the World' is a choral work composed by John Stainer, an English composer and organist, in 1887. The piece is a part of his larger work, 'The Crucifixion', which was first performed on February 24, 1887, at Marylebone Parish Church in London. The piece is a setting of the biblical text from John 3:16-17, which reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." 'God So Loved the World' is a slow and contemplative piece, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout the work. The piece is written for four-part choir, with the melody carried by the tenor and bass voices. The harmonies are rich and lush, with the choir often singing in close harmony. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with the tenor and bass voices singing the opening line of the text, "God so loved the world." The choir then joins in, singing the same melody in harmony. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The second movement is a solo for bass voice, with the text, "Herein is love." The soloist sings a simple melody, accompanied by the choir singing softly in the background. The final movement begins with the choir singing the opening line of the text, "God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world." The melody is repeated several times, with the choir singing in harmony. The piece ends with the choir singing, "but that the world through him might be saved," in a quiet and contemplative manner. Overall, 'God So Loved the World' is a beautiful and moving piece of choral music, with a simple melody and rich harmonies that perfectly capture the text of John 3:16-17. The piece has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is often performed during the Easter season.

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