Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1951

Average_duration

:

4:45

'God is gone up' is a choral work composed by Gerald Finzi in 1951. It was premiered on May 17, 1951, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The piece is set for mixed choir and organ, and it is based on a text from Psalm 47. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Allegro con brio" and is characterized by its energetic and joyful nature. The choir sings the opening lines of the psalm, "God is gone up with a merry noise," with the organ providing a lively accompaniment. The movement features a call-and-response structure, with the choir and organ alternating phrases. The second movement is marked "Andante tranquillo" and is more contemplative in nature. The choir sings the lines "O sing praises, sing praises unto our God," with the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The movement features a more homophonic texture, with the choir singing in unison or in simple harmonies. The final movement is marked "Allegro giocoso" and is characterized by its playful and celebratory nature. The choir sings the lines "For God is the King of all the earth," with the organ providing a lively accompaniment. The movement features a more complex texture, with the choir singing in polyphony and the organ providing intricate counterpoint. Overall, 'God is gone up' is a joyful and celebratory work that showcases Finzi's skill in choral composition. The piece is notable for its use of call-and-response structures, homophonic and polyphonic textures, and lively organ accompaniment. It remains a popular work in the choral repertoire and is frequently performed in church services and concerts.

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