Work

Henry Purcell

Henry Purcell Composer

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, for 3 voices and continuo, Z.9

Performances: 1
Tracks: 1
Loading...
Musicology:
  • Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, for 3 voices and continuo, Z.9
    Year: 1688
    Genre: Other Sacred Polyphony
    Pr. Instrument: Chorus/Choir

This anthem was written to celebrate Founder's Day of the Charterhouse School. John Patrick was the preacher for the event; he was also the poet for nine of Purcell's devotional songs. The text is taken from Psalm 112. The mood for this setting is very serious, although not somber. The cello begins with a few opening notes, and the voices immediately enter with their verses. The vocal makeup is of countertenor, tenor, and bass. The countertenor has a full opening statement; he is followed by imitative entrances of the tenor and bass all proceed with contrapuntally rich harmonies. The setting pays attention to the rhythm of the words in the text. The first syllable of "Blessed" is stressed, as is the second syllable of "delight", which lightens up the vocal sound. "Great" is given the added weight of an extended melismas, so that the phrase "great delight" is doubly illuminated.

"His seed shall be mighty" is florid, in duple, and there is a key change to set is apart. The texture is full, as well, giving it dramatic emphasis. "Riches" and "plenteousness" is described by a triple meter, and "endureth forever" is set over a pedal. "Unto the godly" is florid and Italianate. "Ariseth" is set to a melisma, and "merciful" is given chromatic emphasis.

"A good man" is treated imitatively and the anthem climaxes on "his name shall be exalted". This verse if full, florid, exalting and grand. The cello takes material from the melima on "exalted" and turns it into a short coda before the final Alleluias, which are very rhythmic, and some of Purcell's best. He sets the word "Alleluia" rhythmically by altering the stressed syllable in each phrase. First "lu" is stressed. In the second phrase "ya" gets emphasized. Finally stress is moved around the measures of the counterpoint until "Ah" gets the emphasis. The full chorus answers in full and florid Purcellian polyphony to close the anthem.

© All Music Guide


Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.
AMG
Select a performer for this work
Loading...
 
© 1994-2009 Classical Archives LLC — The Ultimate Classical Music Destination ™