d power," beginning with a tranquil and smoothly flowing solo, the
chorus opening in the same manner, then developing into an admirably
written fugue, and closing in the same serene style as it opened. A very
dramatic and picturesque scene follows, comprising the tenor recitative
("And lo! a mighty Host"), with a very striking accompaniment descriptive
of "the mighty host of all nations and people that stood before the
throne and the Lamb," and the exquisite quartet and chorus ("Lord God of
Heaven and Earth") which close the first part.

The second part opens with an orchestral symphony which heralds the signs
and portents of the Day of Judgment in graphic style. It is followed by a
long bass recitative with intensely dramatic accompaniment:--

"The day of wrath is near.
The Almighty shall reveal His power.
The reaper's song is silent in the field,
And the shepherd's voice on the mountain.
The valleys then shall shake with fear,
With dread the hills shall tremble.
It comes, the day of terror comes!
The awful morning dawns!
Thy mighty arm, O God, is uplifted.
Thou shalt shake the earth and heavens.
They shall shrivel as a scroll
When Thou in wrath appearest."

The text indicates the dramatic nature of the subject, and it is treated
with a force and vigor that are in striking contrast with the tenderness
and serenity, at times rising to exultation, that characterize the
remainder of the work. This recitative leads to the very pathetic duet
for soprano and tenor, "Forsake me not in this dread hour," which is a
gem of beautiful melody, followed by the response of the chorus in
unison, "If with your whole Hearts." After a short tenor recitative,
another strong chorus ensues ("Destroyed is Babylon"), with an agitated
and powerful accompaniment, which continues for some time after the
voices cease, once interrupted by the tenor proclaiming "It is ended,"
and then coming to a close in a gentle pianissimo effect. A tender,
melodious quartet and chorus ("Blest are the Departed") follows. The
soprano voice announces the new heaven and earth. A short tenor
recitative ("Behold! He soon shall come") and the quartet response ("Then
come, Lord Jesus") prepare the way for the final massive chorus ("Great
and wonderful are all Thy Works"), which begins with a few bars of full
harmony, then develops into a vigorous fugue, which, after choral
announcements of hal