Deus, Deus meus (from 'Westminster Mass') (Mixed Voices)

Westminster Mass was commissioned by John Studzinski for Westminster Cathedral Choir, on the occasion of Cardinal Basil Hume's 75th Birthday. The Cathedral wanted a work that would speak out to as many people as possible - that would "enhance the English liturgy for the new millenium" - hence its setting in our native tongue. The Mass had to come in two versions: one with organ accompaniment for general use, and one for special occasions (such as its premiere on the 21st May, 1998) with orchestra (a new version for bells, harp and organ has been arranged for Clifton Cathedral, Bristol).

 

The setting of the first four lines of 'Deus, Deus meus' (psalm 63, verses 1–8) were especially requested, in Latin, by his Eminence. But inspired by the beauty of its English translation I couldn't resist setting more of it, interweaving with the Latin.

 

(Duration: 5 minutes. Extract from the vocal score with piano reduction for rehearsal only.)