Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

5:05

John Rutter's "The Lord Is My Shepherd" is a choral work that was composed in 1978. It was first premiered in the United States by the Cambridge Singers, which is a choir that Rutter founded in 1981. The piece is based on Psalm 23, which is a well-known passage from the Bible that speaks of God's care and protection for his people. "The Lord Is My Shepherd" is divided into three movements. The first movement is a gentle and peaceful setting of the first verse of Psalm 23. The choir sings the words "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" in a soft and soothing manner, accompanied by a simple piano melody. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with the choir singing "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" in a joyful and celebratory tone. The final movement is a return to the peaceful and calming mood of the first movement, with the choir singing "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" in a gentle and reassuring manner. One of the characteristics of "The Lord Is My Shepherd" is its simplicity. Rutter's use of a simple piano accompaniment and straightforward choral harmonies allows the beauty of the text to shine through. The piece is also characterized by its use of repetition, with certain phrases and melodies repeated throughout the three movements. This repetition creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the piece. Overall, "The Lord Is My Shepherd" is a beautiful and uplifting choral work that has become a beloved piece in the repertoire of many choirs around the world. Its simple yet powerful message of God's care and protection for his people has resonated with audiences for over 40 years.

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