Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791), Missa brevis in F major K. 192

This early mass (written in 1774 at the age of 18) is a compact and tightly constructed work, ingenious in its concision.  There is a minimum of word repetition, and the longer movements (Gloria and Credo) conclude with imitative rather than fully fugal writing.  Both Mozart and his father Leopold worked in the Salzburg court chapel where Archbishop Colloredo, enthroned in 1772, was a reformist churchman; he was reported to have had an austere view on music in worship: that it should be noted for its brevity!

Verleih uns Frieden was composed in 1831, after Mendelssohn (1809-1847) had been given a Lutheran Hymnal in 1830, a gift which inspired the composition of six chorale cantatas, two motets and this hymn setting. Its lyrical opening theme (played by divided ‘Celli) is treated as a canon, and this is followed by a long-breathed vocal melody.

Text/translation

Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich,
Herr Gott, zu unsern Zeiten.
Es ist doch ja kein andrer nicht,
der für uns könnte streiten,
denn du, unser Gott, alleine.

In these our days so perilous,
Lord, peace and mercy send us;
No God but thee can fight for us,
No God but thee defend us;
Thou our only God and Saviour.

Sir William Harris (1883–1973), Strengthen ye the weak hands

Harris was appointed organist of Christ Church, Oxford in 1929 and of St George’s Chapel, Windsor in 1933.  There he devoted himself to training the choir (he was widely regarded as the finest choir trainer in the United Kingdom) and composing, including music for both the 1937 and 1953 coronations as well as the Three Choirs Festival.  His music is perhaps unusually expressive for English church music of this period, and this anthem includes bold harmonic passages, lyrical melodies, and a moving, sombre ending.