Sing Joyfully Unto God
Listening Guide
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Concert Choir
Composer: William Byrd
Composition: Sing Joyfully Unto God
Date: circa 1580–1590
Genre: Choral Anthem
Form: Through-composed
Performing Forces: six-part choir (SSAATB)
Text:
Sing joyfully to God our strength;
sing loud unto the God of Jacob!
Take the song, bring forth the timbrel,
the pleasant harp, and the viol.
Blow the trumpet in the New Moon,
even in the time appointed,
and at our feast day.
For this is a statute for Israel,
and a law of the God of Jacob.
What we want you to remember about this composition:
- This is a very much a motet-like sounding church anthem. It sounds very much like a mass but the text does not come from any of the five sections of the mass. The work incorporated many of the polyphony techniques used in the mass. Listen how the six voices interweave.
Other things to listen for:
- Significant points: One of the most popular pieces from the time period. The Psalm 81 text is set in English. Scored in SSAATB (two sopranos, two altos, one tenor, and one bass).
- imitative polyphony
- a capella in English
- some word painting
Timing
Timing
Performing Forces, Melody, and Texture
Performing Forces, Melody, and Texture
Text and Form:
Text and Form: