Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1867

Publication Date

:

1867

Average_duration

:

3:07

"O taste and see" is a choral anthem composed by Arthur Sullivan, an English composer best known for his collaborations with W.S. Gilbert in the creation of comic operas. The anthem was composed in 1879 and premiered on May 4th of the same year at St. Peter's Church in Eaton Square, London. The anthem is written for four-part choir (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and organ accompaniment. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement begins with a gentle and flowing melody in the soprano and alto voices, accompanied by a simple organ accompaniment. The tenor and bass voices enter later, adding depth and richness to the texture. The lyrics, taken from Psalm 34, are sung in a homophonic style, with all voices singing the same words at the same time. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful cadence. The second movement is more lively and energetic, with a faster tempo and more complex harmonies. The melody is passed between the different voices, creating a sense of movement and excitement. The lyrics, also taken from Psalm 34, are sung in a call-and-response style, with the choir alternating between singing the words "O taste and see" and "Blessed is the man that trusteth in him." The final movement returns to the gentle and flowing melody of the first movement, but with a more complex and intricate harmonic structure. The organ accompaniment is more prominent, adding depth and richness to the texture. The lyrics, again taken from Psalm 34, are sung in a more complex and contrapuntal style, with the different voices weaving in and out of each other. The movement ends with a triumphant and joyful cadence. Overall, "O taste and see" is a beautiful and uplifting anthem that showcases Sullivan's skill as a composer. Its three movements each have their own distinct character and musical style, but together they create a cohesive and powerful whole. It is a testament to Sullivan's versatility as a composer, and a testament to the enduring power of choral music.

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