This work was commissioned by Ralph Allwood for the Radio 3 broadcast from the Eton Choral Course in 1987. The choice of Phineas Fletchers matchless poem was a daring one given the timeless beauty of Gibbons hymn and the popularity of Waltons early setting. But this setting is quite different. It is harmonically complex and not especially easy to sing, but when the idiom is mastered it seems to convey the essential passion of Fletchers words. The poem is arch-shaped with the central verse being truly impassioned at to cry for vengeance sin doth never cease. The final verse is consolatory and I found myself quoting the opening of Gibbons setting which came out of nowhere almost as a blessing.

Publisher

Boosey & Hawkes

Composer

Paul Spicer

Instrument

Choral

Format

Choral Score

Pages

1

ISBN

9781784541491

Stock code

M060130762

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