To My Successor

George Herbert (E)

Choral level of difficulty: Level 2 (5 greatest)

Written for the enthronement of Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2003. A straightforward, lyrical motet beginning with overlapping Alleluias, building to a passionate climax for the third repetition of ‘be good to the poor’ and ending with a single alto line of quietly fading Alleluias. Easily manageable by most choirs. The basses need to be able to sing warmly and quietly low Fs and Es at the beginning and end.

Repertoire note by Paul Spicer