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

43unison/octaves. The preceding organ pause, subdued choral dynamic and—quite unlike anyprevious thematic statement—the straightforward simplicity of all voices combining in a single,quasi-free-flowing chant line, instill an air of religious mystery and anticipation, a sense ofimportance for this moment dramatically and structurally within the anthem. Indeed, Section Das a whole functions as the point of pivot in the palindrome-arch, and the entrance of theme hwith its prayer, “Help Lord, my Faith,” its moment of introduction.After “faith,” “hope,” and “peace” are requested by the petitioning voices, the familiarrising melodic third (also voiced vertically in thirds) provides another instance of the “Finzian”transitional device as the opening phrase cadences on E major (see Figure 27).Figure 27. “In thy peace” rising major third transition (measures 93-94).