Composer

:

Samuel Sebastian Wesley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1850

Average_duration

:

3:57

"Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace" is a choral anthem composed by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, an English organist and composer, in 1848. The piece was premiered at the consecration of the Chapel of St. Mark's College, Chelsea, on June 28, 1848. The anthem is written in four movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and features a solo soprano voice singing the opening line of the text, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace." The choir then enters with a homophonic setting of the text, building to a climax before subsiding into a quieter section. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and features a fugue on the text "whose mind is stayed on thee." The choir enters one by one, each voice part taking up the fugue subject before the entire choir joins in a grand statement of the theme. The third movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and features a solo tenor voice singing the text "Trust ye in the Lord forever." The choir enters with a gentle, flowing setting of the text, building to a climax before subsiding into a quiet ending. The final movement is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and features a triumphant setting of the text "and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds." The choir enters with a bold statement of the text, building to a grand climax before ending with a quiet, peaceful coda. Overall, "Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace" is a powerful and uplifting anthem, showcasing Wesley's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful. Its use of solo voices, fugue, and grand choral statements make it a popular choice for church choirs and other vocal ensembles.

More....