Get thee behind me

Barbara Rosen's Get thee behind me is a sacred canon for three equal voices in English. The text is a powerful declaration of personal autonomy, drawing a parallel to a biblical narrative of overcoming temptation. The composer uses the canon form to create a sense of determined insistence, as the voices enter one after another, reinforcing the message of resolve. The repetitive nature of the canon mirrors the unwavering stance described in the text, making it an effective setting for this strong affirmation of free will and the rejection of external control.