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I WILL EXTOL THEE

This anthem for SATB and organ was completed in May 1992, and first performed in Lincoln cathedral by the choir of Royston Parish Church on 19 July that year, under the direction of the composer. The text is verses 1-7/21 of Psalm 145 (King James Version).

The work, in diatonic style, but reliant on chromaticism and flattened sevenths, starts in a D modal minor, and modulates freely before concluding in Bb major. The overall lively mood is contrasted with a more leisurely central section – I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty.

The work is highly rhythmic, and makes use of interpolated 3/8 bars within the prevailing crotchet metre. The organ part develops several of the choral motifs, and enhances the harmony throughout.