Children Archives - Patrick Hawes

A King’s Ransom

Andy Berry — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 11:51:29 +0000

COMPOSER’S NOTE

A children’s opera that reimagines the story of Robin Hood, exploring what happens when Robin is unable to save the day and the forest community must look to itself for solutions.

Originally commissioned by St Hilary’s School, Godalming in 1993, this newly revised and extended version has been developed into an education package in collaboration with Into Opera. It is designed to be performed by children in Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) supported by a small orchestra of eleven players or just piano (preferably together with percussion).

There are four main groups of characters in this opera – the Villagers, Soldiers, Masons and Bagmen – and, although these groups interact at times, it is possible to rehearse them individually so that, say, a particular form or year group (or even school) could be the Masons and another the Soldiers and so on. The solo writing is more limited but, because of the strophic nature of many of the choruses, there is room for soloists other than the principals to sing isolated verses.

DURATION
75 minutes (in two acts)

CHORUS
Children’s Voices

INSTRUMENTATION
Piano or Chamber Orchestra (eleven players)

YEAR OF COMPOSITION
1993

PUBLISHER
Hawes Music

SHEET MUSIC

View Score

Available from
Hawes Music
Music Room
Music Shop Europe

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The Prodigal’s Song

Andy Berry — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 15:44:31 +0000

COMPOSER’S NOTE

Commissioned by Daniel Hyde and Jesus College Cambridge for the Cambridge Music Festival.

This gentle work is based on a text by my brother Andrew reflecting on Christ’s Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke’s Gospel.

DURATION
4 minutes

CHORUS
Upper Voices

INSTRUMENTATION
Organ

YEAR OF COMPOSITION
2006

PUBLISHER
Novello

SHEET MUSIC

View Score

Available from
Music Room
Music Shop Europe

I had a mind to make my way,
to see the world, to have my say.
My Father granted my request
and gave me early his bequest.

Soon into a wicked crowd I fell,
in everything bad my mind would dwell;
all the good things my Father gave
could not from death my spirit save.

All that was so freely given
I spent in vain – to make earth heaven,
until friendless, penniless, myself did sell
and find myself in living hell.

And there amid the swine and swill
I came to hate my selfish will
and thought upon my Father’s farm
where my family lived all safe from harm.

And so myself I found at last
and humbly went to mend the past
and found my Father waiting there,
my every need His only care.

Not in the wealth of gold and jewels
my Father’s endless love is found,
but in His forgiving tender arms –
here I rest. I am safe and sound.

Words: Andrew Hawes (1954 – )

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Thou Art There

Andy Berry — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 07:47:32 +0000

COMPOSER’S NOTE

Using words from Psalm 139 and commissioned by the choir of St James’ Church, Louth, this work was premiered on the 500th anniversary since the spire was completed, the tallest medieval parish church spire in England.

DURATION
5 minutes

CHORUS
SATB and semi-chorus (trebles OR children’s choir OR soloist)

INSTRUMENTATION
Organ

YEAR OF COMPOSITION
2015

PUBLISHER
Hawes Music

SHEET MUSIC

View Score

Available from
Hawes Music
JW Pepper
Music Room
Music Shop Europe

If I climb up into heaven, thou art there:
if I go down to hell, thou art there also.

If I take the wings of the morning:
and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there also shall thy hand lead me:
and thy right hand shall hold me.

Words: Psalm 139: 7–9 from The Book of Common Prayer

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