Score
To Mercy : SATB choir and piano / music by Brett M McKern ; settings of text by William Blake.
Library shelf no. 782.5525/MCK 21 [Not for loan]
Work Overview
To Mercy could be described as a part song or anthem, and sets portions of two texts by William Blake (1757-1827). Verses 1, 2, 5, 6 are from 'To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love' which is often sung as an hymn; and the middle two verses are from 'Songs of Innocence: On Another's Sorrow'. They are distinguished by their metre. The outer verses focus on God as Father and Son, and as the object of prayer by the distressed human. The middle verses invoke empathy for the distressed human, perhaps a human outworking of the inspired traits of mercy, pity, peace, and love. These verses also speak of Divine empathy as God feels our human pain with us.
The emotive text is given a similarly emotive musical setting. While a tuneful and approachable setting, it colourfully paints its text. The middle verses are set differently to the outer ones in a sort of ternary form. The ending section is a development of the opening music, and additionally includes a brief coda.
The accompaniment has been written for piano, but could be adapted to organ if required.
Work Details
Year: 2018
Instrumentation: SATB choir, piano.
Duration: 3 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Subjects
- In the form/style of: Spiritual and Sacred Music
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