"History, Analysis and Performance Considerations of Gerald Finzi's ...

14Examination of FormSection AThe anthem opens with a subdued and brooding organ prelude. Also functioning as a typeof abbreviated overture, the prelude introduces some of the primary thematic and gesturalmaterials of the composition, while setting the mood for the liturgical drama of Christ’s sacrificeand its modern manifestation in the celebration of the Eucharist.The opening period in measures 1-5 comprises a full instrumental statement of theopening vocal text to come, “Lo, the full final Sacrifice,” evidencing that the introduction wasmost likely composed after the work had substantially progressed, or perhaps was otherwise fullycomplete. The antecedent phrase of the “Sacrifice” or ‘a’ theme outlines the rise and fall of aperfect fifth, a leap that returns throughout the anthem in various thematic contexts and moods.The consequent phrase contains instances of the melodic third in two distinct forms—presentedby skip in measure 3, and by step in measures 4-5, both of which will also be woven naturallythroughout the work (see Figure 1).Figure 1. Construction of theme a, “Sacrifice” (measures 1-5).