Three Penitential Anthems from the Gostling Manuscript - I. O God Wherefore Art Thou

These penitential anthems were transcribed by Dr. George Guest from the Gostling Manuscript. John Gostling was renowned for his extraordinary bass voice an held positions in the Church of England, eventually becoming Sub-Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral. Gostling was also a prolific copyist and his manuscript contains over 60 anthems of Blow, Purcell, Locke and others.John Blow uses long notes and a limited vocal range to convey the prayerful, pleading nature of the text. As the text becomes more questioning, the music increases in rhythmic and harmonic intensity. The piece ends with a return to the simplicity of its opening. As an aid to interpretation, Dr. Guest provides performance suggestions based on his many years of study and performance of this work.