Tarik O'Regan

Threnody

The Vocal Score for Tarik O'Regan's 2004 composition Threnody forms a part of the larger cantata Triptych, but works beautifully as a piece in its own right. Lasting around five minutes, Threnody was commissioned with funds from The RVW Trust for the Choir of London's inaugural concert in Christ Church, Spitalfields on the 18th of December 2004. The work is arranged for SATB Chorus and String Orchestra, and this item is the Vocal Score. Taking the lyrics from a diverse range of literary sources, including William Blake's Auguries of Innocence, William Penn and Psalm 133, the solemn beauty of these texts is matched by the dynamism of the vocal performances in conjunction with the staccato rhythms of the orchestra. Crescendos and diminuendos give a sense of urgency and excitement to the vocals, the harmonies of which are expertly composed.