Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Catch

Compose Date

:

1686

Average_duration

:

1:59

"Under this stone lies Gabriel John, Z. 286" is a funeral anthem composed by Henry Purcell in 1683. It was written for the funeral of Sir Anthony Cope, a member of Parliament and a patron of the arts. The anthem is scored for four-part choir, strings, and continuo. The anthem is divided into three movements. The first movement is a mournful and somber adagio, with the choir singing the text "Under this stone lies Gabriel John, the only son of Gabriel and Mary John." The strings provide a mournful accompaniment, with long, sustained notes and occasional dissonances. The second movement is a lively and upbeat allegro, with the choir singing "He that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live." The strings provide a more energetic accompaniment, with fast, lively rhythms and frequent changes of texture. The final movement is a slow and solemn adagio, with the choir singing "In the midst of life we are in death." The strings provide a simple and understated accompaniment, with long, sustained notes and occasional harmonies. Overall, "Under this stone lies Gabriel John, Z. 286" is a powerful and moving funeral anthem that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer. The mournful and somber tone of the first movement gives way to a more upbeat and energetic second movement, before returning to a solemn and reflective final movement. The anthem is a testament to Purcell's ability to convey complex emotions through music, and remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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