Description and multimedia

Written specifically for the Amsterdam Staff Band in 2014, the composer subtitled his three-movement piece “For God is stronger than His foes.” This is the forceful, confident closing line for each verse of the song Jehovah is our Strength set to the tune St John, a hymn tune that will play a prominent role from the outset.

Ritman has supplied the following helpful guide to the music. “After a vibrant first movement, a more subdued second movement appears with a tune not based on any lyrics. In this moment of reflection the listener may wish to link the lyrics of the well-known song Be still and know that I am God. The last verse of this song says ‘In thee, O Lord I put my trust,’ which links to the main theme of the piece. Only with our trust in God can we confidently testify about the fact that God is stronger than any foe. The last movement starts with a reprise of the main theme before it builds up towards the end where the tune Moscow is heard linked to the following lyrics as a cry to our almighty God:

‘Come, Thou almighty king, help us Thy name to song, help us to praise Father, all glorious, o’er all victorious, come and reign over us, Ancient of Days.’ It is VAIN RESISTANCE for any power on earth or in heaven to stand up against God’s almighty power. He is stronger than His foes!”