This week in Christian history: ‘Like as the Hart’ written, Catholic Church abuse scandal, Anglican bishop born
Herbert Howells writes 'Like as the Hart' – Jan. 8, 1941
This week marks the anniversary of when notable composer Herbert Howells wrote the popular Anglican choral piece “Like as the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks.”
Howells wrote the song over the course of a day, a few years removed from the death of his son and while England endured the World War II German bombing campaign known as “the Blitz.”
The lyrics were based off the first three verses from Psalm 42, which read: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?”
Thomas Oram of allmusic.com wrote that Howells’ piece “made a strong contribution to the modern Anglican anthem tradition.”
“That the score demands a ‘quiet intensity’ is clear from the outset,” noted Oram. “The final chord is sustained for a long time, after which the organ recapitulates the cadence, further prolonging the mood.”
