
This Day unites five very different texts, both sacred and secular, in an exploration of man's relationship with the world and with God. Opening with an optimistic F sharp major setting of Emily Dickinson's 'Bring me the sunset in a cup', the work progresses through the stages of a day (or, indeed, a life): 'Awake, my soul!' (Thomas Ken), 'This Day' (Jewish text, adapted Chilcott), 'The Bright Field' (R.S. Thomas), and 'O Lord, support us' (John Henry Newman). This is powerfully evocative music embracing a range of moods and styles, with moments of joyful optimism, spiritual enlightenment, and poignancy.
This work investigates the human experience through the metaphorical progression of a single day, mapping the relationship between the individual, the world, and the divine. Composer Bob Chilcott curates a selection of five distinct texts, ranging from the poetry of Emily Dickinson to traditional Jewish liturgy, to construct a cohesive musical narrative. By organizing these pieces into a chronological sequence, the work serves as an allegory for the stages of a human life.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Critics and choral directors frequently note the accessibility and emotional range of Chilcott's settings within this collection. Experts highlight the work as a versatile addition to contemporary choral repertoires due to its balance of sacred and secular themes.
Page Count:
16
Publication Date:
2007-11-15
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0193359332
ISBN-13:
9780193359338
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