Composer

:

Herbert Brewer

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1917

Average_duration

:

5:32

'God is our hope and strength' is a choral work composed by Herbert Brewer, an English composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1914 and premiered in the same year. It is a four-movement work that is characterized by its grandeur and solemnity. The first movement, marked 'Allegro maestoso', begins with a majestic organ introduction that sets the tone for the entire work. The choir enters with a powerful statement of the text, "God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble." The movement is characterized by its use of grand choral and organ textures, with the choir and organ alternating in their statements of the text. The second movement, marked 'Andante sostenuto', is a more reflective and introspective section of the work. The choir sings a beautiful melody that is accompanied by a gentle organ accompaniment. The text for this movement is taken from Psalm 46:2, "Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved." The third movement, marked 'Allegro moderato', is a lively and energetic section of the work. The choir sings a joyful melody that is accompanied by a lively organ accompaniment. The text for this movement is taken from Psalm 46:4, "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God." The final movement, marked 'Allegro con fuoco', is a triumphant and celebratory section of the work. The choir sings a powerful melody that is accompanied by a grand organ accompaniment. The text for this movement is taken from Psalm 46:7, "The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge." Overall, 'God is our hope and strength' is a magnificent choral work that showcases Brewer's skill as a composer and organist. The work is characterized by its grandeur, solemnity, and powerful use of choral and organ textures. It remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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