Description
Haikus by Canon Albert Radcliffe (who was canon at Manchester Cathedral) and asked me to set them. The music is unusual for vocal works in that it uses the octatonic mode, but this seemed particularly appropriate for the unusual angle which Canon Albert takes on the Christmas story.
I said to the snow,
“Show me what you know of God.”
Brightness blinded me.
To the stars I said,
“Speak then from a gentler light.”
Their word was silence.
I called to the wind,
“Whis-per the glory of God.”
Its breath took my breath.
I asked the holly
“What do you know of his love?”
Her thorns drew my blood.
©Canon Albert E Radcliffe (Manchester Cathedral, UK)