Heaven

HEAVEN is a setting of George Herbert’s (1593-1633) clever ‘echo’ poem, exploring the nature of heavenly delights. The text offers a wonderful opportunity to create echo effects with a semi-chorus set far away from the main choir and organ. The organ part is itself semi-virtuosic and idiomatic, the pedal part absent on the echo interjections.

Musical inspiration comes a setting of Herbert’s similar ‘echo’ poem, “Antiphon II” (Praised be the God of Love), composed by Benjamin Britten in 1955 for St Michael’s College, Tenbury, where Parry’s uncle Denis was a teacher and singer.

The anthem was first performed at Winchester Cathedral in April 2010 by Ipswich School Chapel Choir, directed by Andrew Leach, with William Saunders (organ).

O who will show me those delights on high?
                          Echo.         I.
Thou Echo, thou art mortall, all men know.
                              Echo.         No.
Wert thou not born among the trees and leaves?
                                    Echo.         Leaves.
And are there any leaves, that still abide?
                                Echo.         Bide.
What leaves are they? impart the matter wholly.
                               Echo.         Holy.
Are holy leaves the Echo then of blisse?
                              Echo.         Yes.
Then tell me, what is that supreme delight?
                               Echo.         Light.
Light to the minde : what shall the will enjoy?
                               Echo.         Joy.
But are there cares and businesse with the pleasure?
                                    Echo.         Leisure.
Light, joy, and leisure ; but shall they persever?
                               Echo.         Ever.

George Herbert