Composer

:

Hubert Parry

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

1915

Average_duration

:

5:01

Hubert Parry's "Chorale Fantasia on O God, our help" is a choral work that was composed in 1912. It was premiered on June 22, 1912, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement begins with a slow and solemn introduction, featuring the choir singing the hymn "O God, our help in ages past" in unison. The organ then enters with a powerful and majestic theme, which is developed throughout the movement. The choir joins in with a series of choral variations on the hymn tune, which are interspersed with organ interludes. The movement builds to a grand climax, with the choir and organ combining in a triumphant finale. The second movement is a more introspective and contemplative section, featuring a solo soprano singing the hymn tune in a simple and unadorned manner. The choir then enters with a series of harmonized variations on the tune, which are accompanied by gentle organ interludes. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the choir and organ combining in a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The final movement is a lively and energetic section, featuring the choir and organ in a series of call-and-response passages. The choir sings a series of lively variations on the hymn tune, which are punctuated by the organ's playful and virtuosic interludes. The movement builds to a joyous and exuberant finale, with the choir and organ combining in a triumphant coda. Overall, Parry's "Chorale Fantasia on O God, our help" is a powerful and uplifting work that showcases the composer's skill in combining choral and organ music. The piece is characterized by its grandeur, majesty, and sense of celebration, making it a popular choice for choral performances and religious services.

More....