Composer

:

Maurice Greene

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1725 - 1730

Average_duration

:

6:07

"Lord, Let Me Know Mine End" is a choral anthem composed by Maurice Greene, an English composer and organist who lived from 1696 to 1755. The piece was composed in the early 18th century, but the exact date of composition is unknown. It was first performed in the Chapel Royal at St. James's Palace in London, England. The anthem is divided into three movements. The first movement is a slow and solemn introduction, with the choir singing in unison. The second movement is a fugue, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The fugue is based on a theme that is introduced by the basses and then taken up by the other voices. The third movement is a reprise of the first movement, with the choir singing in harmony. The text of the anthem is taken from Psalm 39:4-6, and it reflects on the brevity of human life and the inevitability of death. The text is set to music that is both mournful and hopeful, with the slow and solemn introduction giving way to the more lively fugue, and then returning to the mournful tone of the opening. The characteristics of "Lord, Let Me Know Mine End" reflect the style of English church music in the early 18th century. The piece is written for a choir of mixed voices, with the four-part harmony and fugue demonstrating Greene's skill in counterpoint. The music is relatively simple and straightforward, with a focus on the text and the expression of its meaning. Overall, "Lord, Let Me Know Mine End" is a beautiful and moving piece of choral music that reflects on the transience of human life and the hope of eternal life. Its simple yet powerful music and text continue to resonate with audiences today.

More....