When Israel was a Child

Commissioned by David Hill when he was at Winchester Cathedral.  With a text adapted from Hosea Chapter XI, it is imbued with a sense of loving compassion and explores a wide colouristic range, not only within the vocal textures but also in the expansive organ accompaniment.

When Israel was a child I love him,
but the more I cried the more he turned away.
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
I who lifted them as a little child to my cheek.
But they did not know that I led them
with leading strands of love.
How can I give you up Ephraim?
How can I surrender you Israel?
My heart changes, my compassion grows warm within me,
For I am God and not a man, the holy one in your midst.

Words: adapted by Andrew Hawes (1954 –   ) from Hosea Chapter 11