Oxford University Press

Lyrics: Wilfred Owen
Music: Bob Chilcott
Format: Book
Voicing: Upper Voices, SATB and piano (with snare and tenor drums and solo cello)

This profound setting of poems by Wilfred Owen explores the idea of the sun as a redemptive force. The sense of human connection and vivid imagery of the natural world imbued in Owen's poetry is perfectly conveyed in Chilcott's music, which is rich in highly effective word painting and melodies as visceral as the poetry itself. The first movement, 'Song of Songs', sets the tone for the work, balancing a sense of reverence and solemnity with hopefulness and optimism, and a poignant and moving setting of Futility is a powerful focal point. Chilcott supplements the choral texture to great effect, with snare and tenor drum creating a mood of expectancy in 'Spring Offensive' and a middle movement for tenor and cello soloists that inhabits a stark musical landscape that blossoms harmonically as the soldier tells of the 'fellowships' and 'beauty' they have found.

• Profound setting of poems by Wilfred Owen
• Piano or orchestral accompaniment, with tenor and cello solos
• A hopeful and optimistic setting of First World War poetry, with an overarching theme of the sun as a redemptive force

Song List:

• Song of Songs
• Spring Offensive
• Apologia pro Poemate Meo
• Futility
• Winter Song