Be Still (2015)

This work was commissioned by Stephen Cleobury and King’s College Choir. It is the first of six new pieces commissioned through a generous benefaction of the late Michael Boswell (KC 1959), choral scholar.

Psalm 46 has always appealed to me, with its sense of peace, trust and acceptance. I like the idea that the ‘destructions’ wrought by God are of the weapons and trappings of war.

I have used ideas of tempest and resolution, with verse 10 standing alone as a moment of serenity.

Be Still was first performed on March 4th 2015 at King’s College Chapel, directed by Stephen Cleobury, with organ scholar Richard Gowers.

It is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Ursula Snow (1927–2015).