Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1941

Average_duration

:

5:53

'Like As the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks (Psalm 42)' is a choral work composed by Herbert Howells in 1941. It was premiered in the same year at the Three Choirs Festival in Gloucester, England. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement begins with a solo tenor voice singing the opening lines of the psalm, "Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God." The choir then enters, singing in a gentle, flowing manner, with the music rising and falling like the waves of a river. The movement is characterized by a sense of longing and yearning, as the text speaks of the soul's thirst for God. The second movement is more dramatic and intense, with the choir singing in a more forceful and urgent manner. The text speaks of the soul's struggle and despair, as it cries out to God for help. The music is marked by sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the psalmist. The final movement returns to the gentle, flowing style of the first, with the choir singing in a more peaceful and contemplative manner. The text speaks of the soul's hope and trust in God, as it looks forward to the day when it will be reunited with Him. The music is marked by a sense of resolution and calm, as the piece comes to a peaceful close. Overall, 'Like As the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks (Psalm 42)' is a deeply emotional and spiritual work, reflecting the themes of longing, struggle, and hope found in the psalm. Howells' use of flowing melodies, sudden shifts in dynamics, and rich harmonies creates a powerful and moving musical experience.

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