O Adonai

Commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and first performed by the BBC Singers at Temple Church, London on 23 December 2024.

Programme Note

A setting of one of the seven O Antiphons, O Adonai is built upon an ostinato figure on a single note which starts and ends the composition, initially using the words of the title. Acting as a drone which is expanded within the texture, this musical idea is inspired by the act of prayer, mirroring the words of this antiphon which ask for redemption.


Text

O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on mount Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.


Anonymous, liturgical text