The cello part for Jonatyhan Harvey's Lauds
The score for Jonathan Harvey's Lauds
Commissioned in 1987 by the Southern Cathedrals’ Festival, Lauds for choir and solo cello is the first in a cycle of eight anthems inspired by early monastic traditions by Jonathan Harvey. Bishop John Taylor’s text describes new beginnings: the first holy office before daybreak, as well as birth and childhood; he previously collaborated with Harvey on his church opera Passion and Resurrection. Close harmonies and canonic variation in the choral writing produces a host of textures, while the solo cello offers commentary. As the 13-minute piece unfolds its mood darkens as childhood innocence gives way.
“At times a halo of voices, at others an edgy, bracing timbre”
The Artsdesk (Bernard Hughes) 18 December 2017