'Music of the spheres.' Choir & Organ

Gabriel Jackson

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 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

Description

Programme Notes:

For this very special commission I wanted to write a piece that reflected the particular character of the Vasari Singers - transparent, refined and meticulous, but also possessed of great fervour and virtuosity. Jeremy Backhouse proposed a text that was sacred, but not liturgical, which led me to the great Sufi mystic Al-Junaid. Couched in language that is as erotic as it is spiritual, the text seemed to demand a setting of great inwardness. The piece is largely restrained and

'Music of the spheres.' Choir & Organ

Now I have known, O Lord

Vocal score

Gabriel Jackson

New Horizons

Composer Information