O Fire

In this striking piece, French uses several techniques to evoke the medieval period of Hildegard: the ascending melodic fifth in the handbell ostinato echoes an open-fifth drone; modal harmonic language emphasizes the subtonic; and "Scotch snap" rhythms mirror the folk melodies of that era. Despite all this, the piece has a modern feel and is appropriate for Pentecost, or any celebration whose themes include creation, Holy Spirit, and unity.