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.

COMPOSER’S NOTE

COMPOSER’S NOTE

The Son of Man is an oratorio is in two parts, each lasting approximately fifty minutes and scored for choir, three soloists and chamber orchestra.  The baritone soloist takes on the role of the Son of Man, while the soprano and tenor add commentary to the unfolding story.  A special symbiosis of music and poetry opens up the visions of Ezekiel, the dreams of Daniel, the meditations of the Psalmist, and the revelations of St John the Divine.

Following in the footsteps of Handel’s Messiah, the work uses texts from both the Old and New Testaments.  Unlike Messiah, however, which is a devotional work in adoration and praise of the man Jesus, The Son of Man addresses eternal questions: What does it mean to be human? How are we to understand the purpose and destiny of our life? What does a fully realised human life look like?

The oratorio received a rapturous response at its World Premiere in Houston, Texas September 2024, performed by the Grammy® award-winning Houston Chamber Choir and Houston Symphony.

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