Composer

:

Samuel Sebastian Wesley

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:37

Psalm 20 is a choral work composed by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, an English composer and organist, in the 19th century. The piece was composed in 1842 and premiered in the same year at the Worcester Music Festival. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and is characterized by its energetic and lively tempo. The choir sings the opening lines of the psalm, "The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble," with a sense of urgency and fervor. The movement features a call-and-response structure, with the choir and orchestra alternating in their presentation of the text. The movement ends with a triumphant choral section, "Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed," which is repeated several times for emphasis. The second movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is more contemplative in nature. The choir sings the lines "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses," with a sense of introspection and reflection. The orchestra provides a gentle accompaniment, with the strings playing a mournful melody. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing "We will remember the name of the Lord our God," before subsiding into a quiet and peaceful conclusion. The final movement is marked "Allegro maestoso" and is the most grandiose of the three. The choir sings the lines "Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call," with a sense of urgency and importance. The orchestra provides a majestic accompaniment, with the brass and percussion adding a sense of grandeur to the piece. The movement ends with a triumphant choral section, "Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed," which is repeated several times for emphasis. Overall, Psalm 20 is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Wesley's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its energetic tempo, contemplative moments, and grandiose finale. It remains a popular work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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