for SATB choir
duration ca 5'
Be Thou My Vision (2016) sets part of Eleanor Hull’s well-known translation of the sixth-century hymn text attributed to St Dallan (Rop Tú Do Baile). The partial setting here reflects my own experience of the hymn; at mass when I was young, it was usual to sing only the first, second and last verses and, as such, it is these words that resonate most strongly with me. This setting draws strongly on the modal frameworks of traditional Irish music for the harmonic material, reflecting (but not using) the well-known traditional air (‘Slane’) that has long been associated with the hymn.
This piece is dedicated to Michael Dawson and the Maynooth University Chamber Choir in celebration of their win of the Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in July 2015.
Past performances:
05.06.2015 — Rostrevor Choral Festival // New Music Workshop, Rostrevor Festival Chorus (Michael Dawson, conductor), Kilbroney Church, Rostrevor, Co. Down, N. Ireland
