Composer

:

Edward Bairstow

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1917

Average_duration

:

8:37

"Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge" is a choral anthem composed by Edward Bairstow, an English composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1940 and premiered in the same year. It is a four-movement piece that is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint. The first movement of the piece is marked "Moderato" and is in a minor key. It begins with a unison statement of the text "Lord, Thou hast been our refuge" before moving into a more complex choral texture. The movement features a number of key changes and a variety of dynamic contrasts, building to a powerful climax before resolving back to the original key. The second movement is marked "Andante" and is in a major key. It features a solo soprano voice singing the text "Before the mountains were brought forth" over a gentle choral accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its use of suspensions and dissonances, creating a sense of tension and release. The third movement is marked "Allegro" and is in a minor key. It features a lively choral texture with a number of imitative entries and a driving rhythmic pulse. The movement builds to a powerful climax before resolving back to the original key. The final movement is marked "Moderato" and is in a major key. It features a solo tenor voice singing the text "So teach us to number our days" over a gentle choral accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and a sense of peacefulness and resolution. Overall, "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Bairstow's skill as a composer. Its use of complex harmonies and intricate counterpoint make it a challenging piece for choirs to perform, but its emotional impact and beauty make it a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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