"At the time the Sussex Symphony Orchestra asked me for a short work composed in celebration of their 20th anniversary, I had just begun working on a commission for a large-scale Ave Maria for choir and orchestra, but it struck me that the piece would stand alone rather well as a purely orchestral hymn, so I continued to work on the two variations of the same piece in tandem.
It opens in complete stillness with a single tolling bell before the strings enter with the main theme. Woodwinds hesitantly join followed by trumpet and then the remaining brass, gently weaving and building towards an almost violent outburst from the full orchestra. The main theme is stated one last time before bringing the work to rest in a hushed and sustained conclusion of tranquil simplicity."
Paul Carr


ORCHESTRATION
2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in A, 2 Bassoons
2 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in C, 2 Trombones
Percussion (Tubular Bells, Glockenspiel)
Harp
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)