Author Description
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.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
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.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- SATB choral arrangement with vocal divisions
- Musical setting of the Tridentine Catholic marriage service
- Integration of stanzas from Francis Quarles's Song of Solomon paraphrase
- Gregorian chant-inspired melodic structures
Scope Limits
- Does not provide a comprehensive history of the Seven Sacraments
- Does not include instrumental accompaniment
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
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
Music
Choral Music
Songbooks
Musical Genres
Classical
Religious Music
Sheet Music