Michael Berkeley

Listen, listen, O my child

This anthem was commissioned for the Enthronement of the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, and was first performed during the Enthronement ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2013. It sets a text from The Rule of St Benedict, translated by Michael Berkeley, counselling the recipient to 'receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving Father's advice'. The vocal lines are simple, flowing, and eminently singable, with alternating sections of unaccompanied chant and joyous outbursts from the full choir. The supportive organ part may be omitted if preferred.

SATB & opt. organ
Duration: 4.5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderately difficult