The Standard Oratorios: Their Stories, Their Music, And Their ComposersUpton, George P. (George Putnam)
Religion
The Standard Oratorios: Their Stories, Their Music, And Their Composers
Upton, George P. (George Putnam)
Oratorio
Voice is calling"), which still further heightens the effect by its
trumpet notes between the lines. At the close of the imposing harmony the
music grows deeper and more serious in character as Saul breathes out his
prayer, "O God, have Mercy upon me;" and again, after the message of
forgiveness and mercy delivered by Ananias, more joyful and exultant in
the bass solo with chorus ("I praise Thee, O Lord, my God"), Saul
receives his sight, and straightway begins his ministrations. A grand
reflective chorus ("O great is the Depth of the Riches of Wisdom"),
strong and jubilant in character, and rising to a powerful climax, closes
the first part.
The second part opens with the five-part chorus, "The Nations are now the
Lord's,"--a clear fugue, very stately and dignified in its style,
leading, after a tenor and bass duet ("Now all are Ambassadors in the
Name of Christ"), to the beautifully melodious chorus, "How lovely are
the Messengers that preach us the Gospel of Peace," and the equally
beautiful soprano arioso, "I will sing of Thy great Mercies." After the
chorus, "Thus saith the Lord," and a second tumultuous chorus expressive
of rage and scorn ("Is this He who in Jerusalem"), another chorale occurs
("O Thou, the true and only Light"), in which the Church prays for
direction. The tenor recitative announcing the departure of Paul and
Barnabas to the Gentiles, followed by the tenor and bass duet, "For so
hath the Lord Himself commanded," bring us to the scene of the sacrifice
at Lystra, in which the two choruses, "The Gods themselves as Mortals,"
and "O be gracious, ye Immortals," are full of genuine Greek sensuousness
and in striking contrast with the seriousness and majestic character of
the harmony in the Christian chorus ("But our God abideth in Heaven")
which follows. Once more the Jews interfere, in the raging, wrathful
chorus, "This is Jehovah's Temple." In a pathetic tenor aria ("Be thou
faithful unto Death") Paul takes a sorrowful leave of his brethren, and
in response comes an equally tender chorus, "Far be it from thy Path."
Two stately choruses ("See what Love hath the Father," and "Now only unto
Him") close the work.
Hymn of Praise.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account