Description
Albert Warren has created an austere setting of the text by G.K. Chesterton, hauntingly beautiful with its incomplete harmonies (oftentimes minus the third or the fifth of the chord) and descending vocal lines. Akin to the lament found throughout the Psalms, this modern lament calls us to look toward God for guidance and deliverance from the world within and without. The imagery in the texts evokes personal ardor: "the walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide, take not thy thunder from us, but take away our pride." The first two stanzas are scored for unison singing, while the third incorporates a canonic treatment of the tune. The work comes to its conclusion in four-part writing, with the incomplete harmonic structures filled out on the last page.

Editor's Notes
Though scored for SATB, much of the singing is unison--please use this time to work on vowel modifications and good choral diction to ensure blending of the voices. When the canon begins, strive to have the bass voices serve more as an echo of the treble, rather than an equal force--thus enabling the congregants to digest more of the text. On the last line, work the vowel of ‘thee’ to be more round, and make sure that the dynamics are followed.

User License
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