If the Lord himself had not been on our side

James Nares, a prominent English composer and organist, served as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and Master of the Choristers at York Minster. His sacred music, often composed for liturgical use, draws on the tradition of English verse anthems. If the Lord himself had not been on our side is a setting of a devotional English text, taken from Psalm 124. The music is scored for SATB choir. Nares’s style typically balances clarity of expression with dignified musical invention, making his anthems accessible for choirs and engaging for congregations. This setting offers a strong choral statement on the theme of divine protection and deliverance.