The piece was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra to honor conductor Serge Koussevitzky for his 25th year of directorship.
Written for SATB chorus with orchestral or piano accompaniment. The Last Words Of David Randall Thompson
The anthem emphasizes the character and rewards of a just ruler who governs with "fear of God". The lyrics of the anthem are as follows: The piece was commissioned by the Boston Symphony
It is a staple of collegiate and professional choirs and is frequently performed at significant events, such as university commencements. The lyrics of the anthem are as follows:
You can find various performances and scores through the E.C. Schirmer Publishing or MuseScore .
"The Last Words of David" is a renowned choral anthem composed by (1899–1984) in 1949 . It is widely considered one of the most significant works in the American choral tradition, second in popularity only to Thompson's own Alleluia . Origin and Context
The piece is noted for its dramatic range and vocal control, featuring roaring ascending scales in the accompaniment that reflect the strength of the Old Testament text.