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

72pairings. A lift at the end of that same measure should be given to the alto voice, re-accentuatingthe repetition of the text in the following measure. An eighth rest should also be given to allvoice parts at the end of measure 109, just prior to the soprano/tenor “Harps,” also supporting theseparation of musical phrases. The antiphonal nature of the “Harps” entrances should beemphasized, as both are set by Finzi squarely and decisively one full beat apart. A moltocrescendo should take place on the half note “man” in measure 111, bringing us to the climax ofthe anthem in the ensuing phrase, “This sovereign subject.” Each note of this dramatic lineshould be fully accentuated as indicated by Finzi. The placement of [v] in “above” should bedistinct and voiced clearly on the second beat (tied sixteenth note) of measure 113. The words“The best am-” should function as unstressed upbeats into the syllable “bi-” which should beweighted heavily, with the final syllable, “-tion,” an unstressed schwa [ə]. A slight ritardandomay again be employed at the phrase ending “of thy,” before returning to original march tempoon the word “love” in measure 114.Theme j, “Lo, the Bread of Life,” is a triumphant fanfare, and as such, articulation shouldbe largely detached. Rhythms should be marked and declamatory, perhaps even to the point ofover-dotting. Lifts to articulate the text and word-ending consonants should be placed after“Life” in measure 116, and “Text” in measure 118. The short but dramatic crescendo indicatedon “provokes thy” should be heightened, as the note value of “-vokes” is specifically extendedby Finzi to enable this treatment, literally invoking the fortissimo on “praise” in measures 119-120. The “r” of this word should be flipped or tapped [ɾ], avoiding at all costs the unsuitableAmerican hard or swallowed [r]. In measure 121-122, word stresses on “liv-ing,” “life,” and“bread” should be particularly asserted, as also “great,” “twelve” and “dis-tri-buted.” A quick liftbetween “bread” and “To the” provides more accurate placement of the [d], and a distinct point