COMPOSER’S NOTE

The text is formed from the beginning and end of George Herbert’s beautiful poem Gratefullnesse which was written shortly before his death in 1663.  The soprano soloist conveys a sense of personal gratitude whereas the choir represents a more corporate outpouring of thanks for God’s countless blessings.  It is so important that a choir feels this sense of gratitude so that the effect of the music reaches its full potential.

The poet’s deepest desire is that the very basis of his being (his pulse) becomes an expression of gratefulness so that gratitude is never fleeting but constant. From a musical point of view, the concept of a pulse perpetually giving praise is very special. The incessant crotchet pulse begins in bar 30 and, over the final minute or so of the piece, should both draw in and mesmerise an audience as they too feel moved to thank God for all His goodness.