SINGING THE LOVE (2018)

for SATB chorus

A dancing, swaying setting of the joyful Psalm 100 from the King James Bible gradually takes on attributes of traditional ritual chant seeking absorption into the unfathomable mystery of life. I think the Lord who is praised here (in all the lands) may be seen as a universal symbol of wholeness: of an all-embracing love capable of binding together and harmonising everything in the universe. The text is progressively splintered, with some elements playfully subjected to varied repetition, and others stretched out to suggest pools of quiet contemplation. The opening lines, with their exhortation to sing, recur as a refrain.

Singing the Love is intended as a celebration of the whole of life, and in particular the love between Ray Turner and Jennifer Seabrook. Jennifer generously funded the commission for the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and Musica Viva Australia, in honour and celebration of Ray’s 75th birthday.

The world premiere was given in the Perth, Western Australia, Concert Hallby the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, conducted by its newly appointed director, Daniel Hyde, on 20 July 2019.

Ross Edwards

 

Text:

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.