Ralph Vaughan Williams
Teach Me, My God and King "Sandys"
Works Info
Composer:Ralph Vaughan WilliamsGenre:ChoralStyle:HymnCompose Date:1906Publication Date:1906Average_duration:2:14"Teach Me, My God and King" is a choral anthem composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1936. It was premiered on June 24, 1936, at the annual meeting of the Royal School of Church Music in London. The piece is written for four-part choir (SATB) and organ. The anthem is divided into three movements. The first movement is a setting of the hymn "Teach Me, My God and King" by George Herbert. The choir sings the first verse in unison, with the organ accompanying. The second verse is sung by the sopranos and altos in harmony, while the tenors and basses provide a sustained drone. The third verse is sung by the full choir in harmony, with the organ providing a more complex accompaniment. The second movement is a setting of the hymn "The Call" by George Herbert. The choir sings the first verse in unison, with the organ accompanying. The second verse is sung by the sopranos and altos in harmony, while the tenors and basses provide a sustained drone. The third verse is sung by the full choir in harmony, with the organ providing a more complex accompaniment. The third movement is a setting of the doxology "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow." The choir sings the first verse in unison, with the organ accompanying. The second verse is sung by the sopranos and altos in harmony, while the tenors and basses provide a sustained drone. The third verse is sung by the full choir in harmony, with the organ providing a more complex accompaniment. The characteristics of "Teach Me, My God and King" are typical of Vaughan Williams' choral music. The piece is characterized by its simple, yet powerful harmonies and its use of modal melodies. The organ accompaniment is also typical of Vaughan Williams' choral music, providing a rich and complex harmonic foundation for the choir. The piece is also notable for its use of drones, which create a sense of timelessness and transcendence. Overall, "Teach Me, My God and King" is a beautiful and moving choral anthem that showcases Vaughan Williams' mastery of the genre.More....