Song of Songs CD

Description

This disc of choral and organ works centres on the mystery and beauty of the words of the Old Testament, with stunning performances from Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and Patrick’s own choral group Conventus.

The collection of love poetry which forms the Old Testament’s Song of Songs is the basis for the opening collection of six choral works focussing on the relationship of romantic and erotic love to spirituality.  They express desire, hope, confusion and joy; the whole range of emotions experienced by the lover – but there is no final consummation.  The metaphors of vine, wine, garden and fountain are ones that prefigure the language of Christian spirituality.  They provide Christian spirituality with a language of love that is both sensual and spiritual, of earth and of heaven.  The text for these songs is faithful to the text of the Bible but poetic licence has provided a narrative structure and the development of some metaphors.  The cry of the lover to the beloved, the heightening of the senses through sumptuous smells and tastes, and the imagery of fire provide a rich basis for a certain type of music – music born out of our time, yes, but which also draws upon the timelessness of tonality, consonance and balance.

Other works for choir and organ (When Israel was a Child and O Lord our Governor) and a cappella choir (Perfect Love, The Vauday Part Songs and The Lord’s Prayer) plus the knockout organ Toccata to finish create an album of real passion and pathos.