Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1980

Average_duration

:

2:45

'Open Thou Mine Eyes' is a choral piece composed by John Rutter, a British composer and conductor, in 1980. The piece was premiered in the same year by the choir of Clare College, Cambridge, where Rutter was the director of music at the time. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a setting of Psalm 119:18, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." It begins with a gentle and flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the altos and tenors. The choir then sings the text in unison, before the melody returns in the sopranos. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful Amen. The second movement is a setting of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd." It begins with a solo soprano singing the first line of the text, before the choir enters with a gentle and pastoral melody. The choir then sings the text in unison, before the solo soprano returns with a variation of the melody. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful Amen. The third movement is a setting of Psalm 121, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills." It begins with a solo soprano singing the first line of the text, before the choir enters with a more upbeat and joyful melody. The choir then sings the text in unison, before the solo soprano returns with a variation of the melody. The movement ends with a triumphant Amen. Overall, 'Open Thou Mine Eyes' is a beautiful and uplifting choral piece, with each movement showcasing Rutter's skill in creating memorable melodies and harmonies. The piece is often performed by choirs around the world and is a testament to Rutter's enduring popularity as a composer.

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