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Track(s) taken from CDA66260

Behold, O God our defender

composer
25 December 1952; commissioned as the introit for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
author of text
Psalm 84: 9-10

St Paul's Cathedral Choir, John Scott (conductor), Christopher Dearnley (organ)
Recording details: June 1987
St Paul's Cathedral, London, United Kingdom
Produced by Mark Brown
Engineered by Antony Howell
Release date: April 1988
Total duration: 4 minutes 2 seconds
 

Other recordings available for download

The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, Stephen Layton (conductor), Eleanor Kornas (organ)
Queen's College Choir Oxford, Owen Rees (conductor), David Bednall (organ)

Reviews

‘A very recommendable issue indeed, which will give the most lasting satisfaction’ (Music and Musicians)
In November 1952, Howells was invited to compose a short Introit for the Coronation Service of Queen Elizabeth II. The text was to be verses from Psalm 84, beginning ‘Behold, O God our defender’. He completed this quiet, reflective prelude to a great state occasion at the end of that year, on Christmas Day. For the Coronation itself the combined choirs were large and Howells provided a fully orchestrated score, but this sensitive anthem is more usually heard, as here, with smaller forces and organ accompaniment.

from notes by Paul Andrews © 2016

Other albums featuring this work

Howells: Collegium Regale & other choral works
Studio Master: CDA68105Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available
Howells: The house of the mind & other choral works
Studio Master: SIGCD491Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available
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