Close Thine Eyes (Upon a Quiet Conscience) is a setting of "A Good Night," by the 17th century British poet, Francis Quarles. Its reassuring words, bidding a peaceful night of rest, are especiall welcome in an increasingly hectic modern age. Its comforting message is a soothing balm for all that are anxious.
I have sought to reflect this consoling mood musically by several means: the eight-part homophonic texture affords a luxurious cushion of sound, the familiar jazz harmonies connote a feeling of comfort, the melodic lines in the popular style suggest intimacy, the steady, even rhythms and slow tempo evoke tranquility.
There are two settings of a slightly altered version of the poem by two contemporaries of Quarles: John Playford set it as a solo song and Henry Purcell set it as a vocal duet. I have used the same adapted version of the poem as these composers in this setting.
Britten's pacifist masterwork, combining war poetry by Wilfred Owen with the Latin Requiem Mass, is included in the Masterworks Library of full scores, ideal for conductors, students and music lovers.
