Now I have known, O Lord

Vocal score

Forces or Category: SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied

New Horizons

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied
This anthem is set to a text by the 10th-century Sufi mystic, Al-Junaid. For the most part, the mood is ...

'Music of the spheres.' Choir & Organ

Now I have known, O Lord

Vocal score

Description

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied
This anthem is set to a text by the 10th-century Sufi mystic, Al-Junaid. For the most part, the mood is intimate and introspective; intertwining, whispered melodies, sometimes in free time, alternate with quiet homophony. There is a moment of soaring, unrestrained ecstasy towards the end of the piece before it draws to a hushed conclusion. Suitable for a variety of occasions, this is beautiful, challenging music for serious choirs.

'Music of the spheres.' Choir & Organ

Now I have known, O Lord

Vocal score

Gabriel Jackson

New Horizons

Composer Information

Gabriel Jackson (b.1962)

Gabriel Jackson was born in Bermuda. After three years as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral he studied composition at the Royal College of Music. Jackson's music has been commissioned, performed and broadcast worldwide, and his works have been presented at many festivals including Aldeburgh, Cheltenham, Spitalfields, and the BBC Proms. His liturgical pieces are in the repertoires of many of Britain's cathedral and collegiate choirs, and his choral works in general have been recorded by some of the world's leading choirs including Polyphony, The Vasari Singers, The State Choir of Latvia, and Merton College Choir, Oxford. He is currently the Associate Composer to the BBC Singers, who have premiered and broadcast a number of recent commissions. Over recent years Jackson's music has been equally focussed on instrumental works. Commissions include works for organist Michael Bonaventure, Red Note Ensemble, and the Lunar Sax Quartet.

Gabriel Jackson's website

b.1962

'Music of the spheres.' Choir & Organ

Now I have known, O Lord

Vocal score

Gabriel Jackson

New Horizons

Reviews and Awards

"The (musical) divisions are manifold, but complexities dissolve into ecstatic simplicities. Music of the spheres." - Peter Dale, Choir & Organ, January 08

"Jackson's setting is reflective and contemplative, and immensely effective . . . the still, quite passages around pages 13 and 14 are magical; this is definitely a piece worth working for." - Jonathan Wikeley, Music Teacher, February 08

"Now I have known seems subtly to reflect its Arabic source in rhythmic roulades and modal touches. It leads the choir into free heterophony (significantly on the words 'my tongue hath talked' and 'disunion') but comes together for a notably thoughtful and moving conclusion." - Rosemary Broadbent, Church Music Quarterly, December 07