Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1707

Average_duration

:

12:13

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

"Nisi Dominus, psalm in G, HWV 238" is a sacred choral work composed by George Frederick Handel. The piece was composed in 1707 and premiered in Rome, Italy, during Handel's time there as a young composer. The work is structured in six movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Latin text of Psalm 127. The first movement, "Nisi Dominus," is a lively and energetic setting of the opening verses of the psalm. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and bold, declamatory vocal lines. The second movement, "Vanum est vobis," is a slower and more contemplative setting of the next section of the psalm. The music is marked by its gentle, flowing melodies and rich harmonies. The third movement, "Surgite," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the next section of the psalm. The music is characterized by its lively, dance-like rhythms and joyful, exuberant vocal lines. The fourth movement, "Cum dederit," is a slower and more contemplative setting of the next section of the psalm. The music is marked by its gentle, flowing melodies and rich harmonies. The fifth movement, "Sicut sagittae," is a lively and energetic setting of the next section of the psalm. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and bold, declamatory vocal lines. The final movement, "Beatus vir," is a triumphant and joyful setting of the final section of the psalm. The music is marked by its exuberant vocal lines and rich, celebratory harmonies. Overall, "Nisi Dominus, psalm in G, HWV 238" is a masterful example of Handel's skill as a composer of sacred choral music. The work is characterized by its rich harmonies, lively rhythms, and bold, declamatory vocal lines, and it remains a beloved and frequently performed work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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