SATB with Baritone Solo and Organ, splits up to SSAATTBB (splits are minimal)
c. 30′
The themes of this Requiem are rest and light. The texts were chosen to reflect this; the movements which usually appear in a Requiem Mass were selected because they contain phrases that fit with these themes, such as ‘et lux perpetua luceat eis’ (let perpetual light shine upon them’) and ‘dona eis requiem (‘grant them rest’).
The Kyrie, which is combined with the poem Spellbound by Emily Brontë, provides a foil for the tranquility of the other texts; the element of darkness inherent in the Brontë poem complements the beseeching quality of the Kyrie. It also adds contrast to the other movements, which overall have a more meditative, restful character (the exception being the more joyful Sanctus and Benedictus). Spellbound highlights darkness as being the opposite of light, and encompasses the inevitability of darkness and death, whilst retaining a sense of strength and resolution.
The other two texts used in this work which are not commonly found in the Requiem Mass are the first verse of I Heard the Voice of Jesus say, the hymn written by Horatius Bonar, which focuses on the theme of rest; and a few verses from Psalm 139, where the baritone soloist and choir declaim the words ‘If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.’
The premiere was given in November 2022 by Avon Chamber Choir with guest singers. The organ was played by Isaac Powell, and the soloists were Alex Scott and Ben Pennington.
Individual movements can be found here:
IV I Heard the Voice of Jesus say
If you would like to perform the whole Requiem or individual movements, please get in touch via the Contact page. I am happy to send perusal scores if interest is expressed.