Verse anthem

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Verse Anthem

The verse anthem is a species of religious choral music distinct from the motet or 'full' anthem (i.e. for full choir).

In the 'verse' anthem the music alternates between sections for a solo voice or voices (called the 'verse') and the full choir. Organ, instruments, or both provide accompaniment. In the 'verses', solo voices were expected to ornament their parts for expressive effect. The 'full choir' sections providing contrast in volume and texture. Verse anthems developed and were very popular during the early 17th to the middle of the 18th centuries. At the Restoration of Charles II enthusiasm for the older 'motet' style of anthem returned, but composers continued to write verse anthems, sometimes on a grand scale, particularly for the Chapel Royal.

Notable composers of verse anthems include William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, Thomas Weelkes and Thomas Tomkins. Henry Purcell composed several splendid examples of what are often referred to as Symphony Anthems as they include, in addition to sections for 'verse' and 'full choir', passages for string instruments and organ alone, e.g. 'O sing unto the Lord' and 'Rejoice in the Lord alway'.

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