When Israel was a Child
COMPOSER’S NOTE
Commissioned by David Hill when he was at Winchester Cathedral.
With a text adapted from Hosea Chapter XI, this work 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.
DURATION
7 minutes
CHORUS
SATB
INSTRUMENTATION
Organ
YEAR OF COMPOSITION
2005
PUBLISHER
Novello
SHEET MUSIC
Available from
JW Pepper
Music Room
Music Shop Europe
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
