Fear God and keep his commandments

William Sterndale Bennett’s setting of Fear God and keep his commandments opens with a powerful, declamatory unison statement before blossoming into rich SATB harmony. The composer explores the solemnity and weight of the text, reflecting its theological significance through a thoughtful interplay of the four voices. The music rises to meet the pronouncement of 'the whole duty of man' with conviction, before receding into a more contemplative mood. This is an anthem of significant gravitas, suited for services where the message of obedience and divine accountability is central. The English text is treated with dignity and respect, the musical setting underscoring the gravity of its biblical origins.