In composing this large-scale choral work in celebration of the 1000 year anniversary of the founding of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, as a source of text, I have incorporated quotes from The Rule of Saint Benedict, under whose doctrine the original Benedictine Abbey was founded, and woven them through verses from three Psalms; Psalms that particularly appealed to me, and were a source of inspiration in praising a devotion and love for God.
I have used Handel's beautiful "Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne" (a work I only recently discovered) as the basis for the opening movement; its regal qualities here taken a step further with music that seems to embrace, and even enhance the splendour of devout belief. The work takes its title from the opening lines of Saint Benedict "Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God", and is in three movements, with the second movement being the dramatic core of the piece ("Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord"), flanked by two emotionally-charged paeans in praise to the glory of God. Paul Carr
- ISMN: 9790222313460 (M222313460)