Choral Music - an anthem for SATB choir and string orchestra (2013)

Poem written in 1850 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

Infinity is one of the most elusive of ideas and has intrigued thinkers in science, mathematics, philosophy, religion and art for centuries. What is infinity? How can we measure infinity? How can infinity be expressed if it is seemingly boundless?

Infinite feeling expressed by finite rationed words is the paradox here in Browning's sonnet. This piece for SATB choir and string orchestra does not intend to grapple with the questions above, but the words are certainly inspiring enough to set music to. 

However, one intention here is to contrast the idea that a stringed instrument can always be sustained indefinitely, while the singer must breath to reset itself before creating it's next sound. (i.e. it is restricted in that way, bound by it's nature). The combinations of tones, colours, and arranging music for voices and strings, on the other hand, are limitless. The playing of the violin close to the bridge, for example, creates a 'whispy' sound similar to that of the breath of the voice.

There are points where the strings and voices talk to each other, or exchange ideas, and times where they are united in playing or singing the same material. The music uses the words to guide the overall structure, though harmonically speaking, the resolution at the end ties in with the key at the beginning of the piece. 

Soprano Solo: Briony Ashby

Recorded live at Norwich Cathedral 25.01.14


Finite and Infinite - For SATB Choir & String Orchestra

A Foreign Adventure (feat. Ross Grant Solo Violin) - Orchestral Film Music [Fantasy]

Award-winning British composer, educator & multi-instrumentalist, Andrew's output ranges from choral music & orchestral film scores, to chamber music and contemporary folk. As a singer, accordionist, percussionist, teacher & conductor, his projects have seen him touring the British Folk scene as well as performing with some of the country's leading orchestra's and choirs.

Finite and Infinite - For SATB Choir & String Orchestra

Andrew Weeks | Composer | Educator | Performer

Related tracks