Hyperion Records

This splendid anthem is another four-part setting dating from around 1680 of a psalm paraphrase by John Patrick. The opening is jubilant, and the voices alternate between the trumpet-like calls of ‘O, all ye people’ and busy running passagework where they ‘make a cheerful noise’. After brief homophony at ‘declare your inward joys’ the close imitation returns, with ‘his high perfections’ thrown rapidly between the four voices. The trumpet calls continue at ‘In a triumphant state our Lord is gone’, and the full ensemble and the two boys alternate fanfares and echoes as the instruments ‘proclaim our joys’. ‘Sing cheerful praises to our God’ is more melodic, and God rules harmoniously ‘o’er the heathen people’ before the tempo is broadened as God ‘shall judge the world at last’.

from notes by Robert King ©