Genesis 28

It is difficult not to be affected by the sheer power of this work each time you hear it. Composer Sean Doherty uses just a fragment of Lola Ridge's harrowing poem about the horrors inflicted upon so many

Robert Frost's text is given careful consideration in this evocative setting. Both the wistful nature of the words and the details of the winter scene are well captured. The slow plodding of the horse

This popular Scottish tune is treated to a new setting for upper-voice choir and piano. The arrangement is clearly inspired by the folk melody, the piano part has harp-like quality and is full of

Based on a 12th century Irish text, this allegorical poem describes the sorrow and suffering felt after the evictions of many of the Irish people from their homes at that time. The music is profound and

This work gives a feeling of space whilst achieving a lush harmonic texture with the minimal of means. The use of mixed meter subtly inflects the words and provides shifts in the emphasis of the rocking

This melody sits effortlessly within the 6/8 meter and the music flows in polyphonic lines and countermelodies weaving sinuously in and out of the tune. The inclusion of the French song "L'homme arme",

Ding Dong toutes les cloches sonnent, Joyeux Noel! (Ding Dong the bells are ringing, Merry Christmas!) Set as three short verses in French, the simple text is given simple melodies composed using the

Tranquil and contemplative, this adaptation of Psalm 131 offers a message of hope and inner peace. Simple and affecting homophonic refrains perfectly surround flowing verses scored for optional duet. The

Choral voices emerge from the rustling sounds of nature, first highlighting upper and then the lower voices of the choir. The power and emotion of the piece reaches its peak only to be interrupted by a solo

A haunting melody in the Soprano line floats above ostinato patterns in the Alto parts, an effect which conjures images of sirens singing. A further layer of musical and lyrical interest comes in the form

This piece carries a message of strength, self-belief and remembrance. At its heart is the growth of children; the beautiful words giving encouragement and support to a young person to be all they can be,

Beginning with voices in unison, a verse themed around reassurance and hope gives way to a refrain full of jubilation and praise. The text alludes to the mystery of the Eucharist, the three refrains

Lola Ridge's contemplative and profound poem is given a celestial soundtrack, using subtle repetitions of phrases like gentle waves of sound reinforcing the meaning and reassuring the singer and listener.