Composer

:

Hubert Parry

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

10:31

Hubert Parry's "Songs of Farewell" is a collection of six choral pieces that were composed between 1908 and 1914. The final piece in the collection is "No. 6, Lord, let me know mine end," which was completed in 1914. The piece was premiered in the same year by the choir of St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate in London. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being based on Psalm 39 and the second movement being based on Psalm 90. The first movement is marked "Moderato e sostenuto" and begins with a somber and reflective mood. The choir sings the text "Lord, let me know mine end, and the number of my days" in a mournful and introspective manner. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing "Behold, thou hast made my days as it were a span long" before returning to the reflective mood of the opening. The second movement is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and is a stark contrast to the first movement. The choir sings the text "Lord, thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another" in a lively and energetic manner. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic drive and use of syncopation. The third movement is marked "Andante espressivo" and returns to the reflective mood of the first movement. The choir sings the text "O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength" in a gentle and pleading manner. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing "I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were" before returning to the reflective mood of the opening. Overall, "No. 6, Lord, let me know mine end" is a powerful and moving piece that reflects on the transience of life and the need for spiritual guidance. Parry's use of contrasting moods and rhythms creates a sense of tension and release that adds to the emotional impact of the piece.

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