
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompaniedI my Best-Beloved's am was written in 1999 for a BBC Singers broadcast concert on the theme of the Seven Sacraments. This a cappella anthem focuses on the theme of marriage, setting the nuptial responses from the old Tridentine Catholic marriage service and stanzas from Francis Quarles's poetic paraphrase of the Song of Solomon. Gregorian chant is the prevalent musical influence, and the male and female voices are offset against each other in an effective contrast.
This work investigates the musical setting of nuptial liturgy and poetic texts through the lens of the Seven Sacraments. John Rutter, a prominent composer of choral music, utilizes his expertise in vocal arrangement to synthesize the Tridentine Catholic marriage service with the poetry of Francis Quarles. The composition serves as a formal exploration of liturgical themes through the specific medium of unaccompanied SATB choral performance.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts and choral directors frequently cite this piece as a sophisticated example of modern a cappella composition that remains accessible for skilled ensembles. The work is widely recognized for its effective use of vocal contrast and its adherence to traditional liturgical influences.
Page Count:
16
Publication Date:
2014-08-14
Publisher:
Oxford University Press Music
ISBN-10:
0193405547
ISBN-13:
9780193405547
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