Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1980

Average_duration

:

6:00

"O Praise the Lord of Heaven" is a choral work composed by John Rutter, a British composer and conductor, in 1974. The piece is written for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir and organ, and is based on Psalm 148 from the Bible. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a joyful and exuberant setting of the opening verses of Psalm 148, with the choir and organ alternating between singing and playing. The second movement is a more reflective and contemplative setting of the middle verses of the psalm, with the choir singing in a more subdued and introspective manner. The third movement is a triumphant and celebratory setting of the final verses of the psalm, with the choir and organ building to a grand and majestic conclusion. The characteristics of "O Praise the Lord of Heaven" are typical of Rutter's style, which is known for its accessibility, lyricism, and use of traditional harmonies and forms. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and rhythmic vitality, as well as its skillful use of choral textures and dynamics. The piece is also notable for its use of antiphonal effects, with the choir and organ alternating between singing and playing, and for its use of contrasting moods and tempos to reflect the different sections of the psalm. "O Praise the Lord of Heaven" premiered in 1974 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and has since become a popular and frequently performed choral work. Its accessibility and appeal to both performers and audiences have made it a staple of the choral repertoire, and it continues to be widely performed and recorded today.

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