Walker, Lucy - Love flows

‘Love Flows’ was commissioned by the Choir of Wells Cathedral and Alexander Hamilton to mark the occasion of the installation of the Reverend Canon Toby Wright as Dean of Wells in June 2024. The ethereal text, selected by Toby himself, is by 13th-century German mystic, Mechthild of Magdeburg, here in mellifluous translation by Jane Hirshfield. Reflecting the transcendental atmosphere of the text, this piece explores fluidly shifting, vibrant harmonies, with flowing melodic lines leading to frequent moments of repose on richly scored held chords; this element of the structure was designed with the generous acoustic of Wells Cathedral in mind. A delicate melodic motif (‘like a bird’) emerges from the opening undulating third texture, and evolves later in the piece into an uplifting, larger-scored reiteration: ‘humanity sings’. Returning at the close of the piece, the motif appears in airy upper-voice solos floating above the choir, representing distant birdsong.This setting would be suitable as a versatile anthem or concert piece for experienced choirs, and particularly resonant spaces.