Changes

<small>For the [[dystopian]] [[novel]]  by [[Ayn Rand]], see [[Anthem (book)]]</small>

<small>For the [[dystopian]] [[novel]]  by [[Ayn Rand]], see [[Anthem (book)]]</small>

An '''anthem''' (a term derived from [[antiphon]]) is an [[English]] development of the [[motet]]. It is a choral setting of a sacred or moral text usually sung during a service.

The '''anthem''' (a musical term derived from [[antiphon]]) was originally an [[English]] development of the [[motet]]. It is a choral setting of a sacred or moral text usually sung during a service.

Whilst a four-part unaccompanied form is known from the mid-16th century, by about 1600 there began variations in which added solo voices and instrumental (usually organ) accompaniment appeared. The anthem became a formal part of the [[Anglican]] service and was acknowledged in the [[Book of Common Prayer]] of 1662. By then it was being written in a more dramatic style and strings began to appear. It reached full potential with [[Handel]]’s Coronation and Chandos Anthems in the first half of the 18th century. (Handel’s first Coronation Anthem, “''Zadoc the Priest''” is one of the most-loved choral pieces of all time.)

Whilst a four-part unaccompanied form is known from the mid-16th century, by about 1600 there began variations in which added solo voices and instrumental (usually organ) accompaniment appeared. The anthem became a formal part of the [[Anglican]] service and was acknowledged in the [[Book of Common Prayer]] of 1662. By then it was being written in a more dramatic style and strings began to appear. It reached full potential with [[Handel]]’s Coronation and Chandos Anthems in the first half of the 18th century. (Handel’s first Coronation Anthem, “''Zadoc the Priest''” is one of the most-loved choral pieces of all time.)

The anthem arrived in America during the 18th century and, by 1800, more works by American-born composers were being used than imported anthems, especially in [[New England]]. The form was enriched from input by German immigrants and still thrives in American churches.  

The anthem arrived in America during the 18th century and, by 1800, more works by American-born composers were being used than imported anthems, especially in [[New England]]. The form was enriched from input by German immigrants and still thrives in American churches.  

[[Category: Sacred Music]]

[[Category: Sacred Music]]