Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

ca. 1681

Average_duration

:

4:01

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

In the midst of life, Z. 17a is a funeral anthem composed by Henry Purcell in 1685. It was written for the funeral of Queen Mary II's father, James II, who had been deposed the previous year. The anthem is scored for four-part choir, strings, and continuo. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Man that is born of a woman," is a somber and mournful setting of the text from the Book of Job. The music is slow and contemplative, with long, sustained notes in the strings and a simple, chant-like melody in the choir. The second movement, "In the midst of life," is a dramatic and powerful setting of the text from the Book of Common Prayer. The music is more lively and energetic than the first movement, with a driving rhythm in the strings and a more complex choral melody. The text speaks of the suddenness of death and the need to be prepared for it at all times. The final movement, "Thou knowest, Lord," is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness. The music is slow and solemn, with a simple, plaintive melody in the choir and a gentle accompaniment in the strings. The text speaks of the inevitability of death and the hope for salvation in the afterlife. Overall, In the midst of life, Z. 17a is a powerful and moving work that reflects Purcell's mastery of choral writing and his ability to convey deep emotion through music. Its premiere at James II's funeral was a fitting tribute to a king who had been deposed and exiled, and it remains a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the need to be prepared for death at all times.

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