Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

4:05

"O How Amiable" is a choral anthem composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1934. It was premiered on June 16, 1934, at the annual meeting of the Royal School of Church Music in London. The piece is written for four-part choir (SATB) with organ accompaniment. The anthem is based on Psalm 84, which speaks of the beauty and desirability of the dwelling place of God. The text is taken from the Book of Common Prayer and is set to music in a simple and straightforward manner. The piece is characterized by its gentle and flowing melody, which is supported by a rich and harmonious organ accompaniment. The anthem is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a solo voice singing the opening line of the psalm, "O how amiable are thy dwellings, thou Lord of hosts!" The choir then enters with a gentle and flowing melody that builds in intensity as the piece progresses. The movement ends with a return to the solo voice, which sings the final line of the psalm, "Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they will be always praising thee." The second movement is a brief interlude that features a solo organ passage. The organ plays a simple and beautiful melody that serves as a transition between the first and third movements. The third movement begins with a return to the choir, which sings a new melody that is more lively and energetic than the first movement. The choir sings of the joy and happiness that comes from being in the presence of God. The movement builds to a powerful climax before ending with a return to the gentle and flowing melody of the first movement. Overall, "O How Amiable" is a beautiful and uplifting piece of choral music that captures the essence of the psalm it is based on. The piece is characterized by its simple and straightforward melody, rich harmonies, and gentle organ accompaniment. It is a testament to Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the soul.

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