How are the mighty fallen

Robert Ramsey's How are the mighty fallen opens with a sense of profound lament. The music immediately conveys the sorrow of the text, drawn from the biblical account of Jonathan's death. The SSATBB|SMATBarB voicing allows for rich, full textures, used here to amplify the drama of the fall of heroes. Ramsey's setting emphasizes the pathos of the lyrics, particularly the poignant expression of personal grief for Jonathan, 'O Jonathan, my brother, Very kind hast thou been to me. Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.' The composer's craft ensures that the music powerfully underscores the devastating impact of loss, both on a personal and a wider scale, reflecting the martial and emotional weight of the scripture.