Edward-Rhys Harry
Der Mantel der Stille
Duration: 40'
Choir: mixed choir
Der Mantel der Stille
Translation, reprints and more
Edward Harry
gemischter Chor (Der Mantel der Stille) Available digitallyType: Chorpartitur
Sample pages
Work introduction
The Cloak of Quietness is an apt title for a work that was created in the isolation of the national and international ‘lockdown’ that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With choirs unable to meet for many months, either not singing at all or singing alone, isolated at home, with only perhaps a rehearsal guide track to listen to online, choral music – along with all the arts – has had to fight to survive.
This work is a setting of Psalm 91 (Old Testament) with a difference. The verses of the psalm have been broken up into movements and are interrupted by words specially written by singing members of a chamber choir (The Harry Ensemble, UK) that reflect on their thoughts, moods and concerns during the isolation/lockdown periods, as well as the effect of the pandemic on them personally; the result is, if you like, a conversation between the psalmist and the singers as the Word of God and the preoccupations of humanity meet.
My thanks to the members of The Harry Ensemble who contributed their texts so well.
What is necessary to perform this work?
Choir (SATB), Soprano solo, violincello solo, piano