Composer

:

Pelham Humfrey

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:46

'Lord! I have sinned' is a sacred choral work composed by Pelham Humfrey, an English composer of the Baroque era. The piece was composed in the mid-17th century, during the reign of King Charles II, and was premiered in the Chapel Royal at St. James's Palace in London. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical style and mood. The first movement is a solemn and introspective setting of the text "Lord! I have sinned," which is sung by the choir in unison. The second movement is a lively and joyful setting of the text "Create in me a clean heart," which features a lively and energetic choral fugue. The final movement is a quiet and contemplative setting of the text "Cast me not away from thy presence," which features a solo soprano voice accompanied by a simple and understated organ accompaniment. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Lord! I have sinned' is its use of chromaticism, which was a hallmark of the Baroque era. The piece also features a number of intricate and complex choral harmonies, which are typical of Humfrey's style. Additionally, the work showcases Humfrey's skill as a composer of both sacred and secular music, as it combines elements of both in a unique and compelling way. Overall, 'Lord! I have sinned' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Pelham Humfrey's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the sacred music tradition. Its premiere in the Chapel Royal at St. James's Palace was a testament to its popularity and enduring appeal, and it remains a beloved piece of sacred choral music to this day.

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