Composer

:

Samuel Sebastian Wesley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1847

Average_duration

:

4:45

"Cast Me Not Away" is a choral anthem composed by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, an English organist and composer, in the 19th century. The piece was composed in 1848 and premiered in the same year at the Gloucester Music Festival. The anthem is written in four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is in a minor key. It begins with a solo voice singing the first line of the text, "Cast me not away from thy presence." The choir then enters with a homophonic texture, singing the same text. The movement is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is in a major key. It begins with a lively and rhythmic choral section, which contrasts with the more somber first movement. The text for this movement is "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me," and the music reflects the joy and gratitude expressed in the text. The third movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is in a minor key. It begins with a solo voice singing the text "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation." The choir then enters with a more complex and contrapuntal texture, which reflects the emotional depth of the text. The movement is characterized by its use of suspensions and resolutions, which create a sense of longing and anticipation. The final movement is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and is in a major key. It begins with a lively and rhythmic choral section, which is similar to the second movement. The text for this movement is "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways," and the music reflects the determination and commitment expressed in the text. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and rhythmic drive, which create a sense of energy and momentum. Overall, "Cast Me Not Away" is a powerful and emotional choral anthem that showcases Wesley's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of chromaticism, dissonance, and complex textures, which create a sense of tension and urgency. At the same time, the piece also reflects the joy, gratitude, longing, and determination expressed in the text.

More....