Basil Harwood (1859–1949), an English composer and organist, made significant contributions to sacred choral music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Active during a period that included Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams, Harwood is known for his choral compositions, particularly those with a liturgical focus.
“O How Glorious Is the Kingdom” by Basil Harwood is a notable anthem that exemplifies his skill in crafting sacred choral music. Composed in the early 20th century, the piece is often associated with its use in Anglican choral traditions. Harwood’s composition is characterized by its lush harmonies, expressive vocal lines, and a sense of grandeur befitting the text.
In comparison to his contemporaries in the Edwardian and early 20th-century English choral tradition, such as Charles Stanford or Herbert Howells, Harwood’s “O How Glorious Is the Kingdom” stands out for its majestic and celebratory character. The anthem serves as a testament to Harwood’s commitment to creating choral music that resonates within the liturgical context, blending traditional harmonic language with a sense of reverence and grandeur. “O How Glorious Is the Kingdom” remains a compelling example of Harwood’s contribution to the English sacred choral repertoire.
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