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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
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
| Trinity College Choir Cambridge, Stephen Layton (conductor), Eleanor Kornas (organ)» More |
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 worksStudio Master: CDA68105Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available  A triumphant new complete recording of Howells’ liturgical masterpiece—from the finest of choirs.» More |