Composed to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen in 2022. First performed at a Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty The Queen at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on 3rd June 2022 by the choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal conducted by Andrew Carwood, with William Fox, organ.

  • org
  • SATB
  • 4 min
  • n/a
  • English

Programme Note

Amongst many ancient writings which examine the importance of Wisdom in our life on earth is the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. The short selection of verses (from Proverbs, Chapter 3) set to music in this anthem celebrate 'the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding'. By Wisdom was written in honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II, in her Platinum Jubilee Year.

Judith Weir, April 2022

TEXT

Happy is the one who finds Wisdom;
the one who gains understanding.

Her price is greater than silver;
her profit is better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels;
all that you desire cannot compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand;
in her left are riches and honour.
Her ways are the ways of pleasantness;
and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who grasp her;
and those who hold her fast are blessed.
By Wisdom, the Lord laid the foundations of the earth;
he established the heavens by understanding.

Proverbs, Chapter 3

Media

Premiere: Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving

Scores

Sample pages

Features

  • Choral Highlights 2022
    • Choral Highlights 2022
    • In recent months and for the season ahead the Wise Music choral catalogues are once again burgeoning with new works. There are new pieces and publications from Richard Allain, Peter Bruun, Britta Byström, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Matthew Martin, Paul Mealor, Nico Muhly, Owain Park, Joby Talbot and Judith Weir, plus new repertoire from recent Australian signing Ross Edwards.

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