Like as the waves
for SATB Choir and Soprano Saxophone
Like as the waves is a setting of the opening two lines from Shakespeare's Sonnet No. 60, combined with several lines from the plainsong Ubi Caritas. The piece is inspired by St Winwaloe Church in Gunwalloe, on the coast of Cornwall. This church sits next to the beach, close to the sea in a stunning location. Sounds of the sea and seagulls are evoked by the choir, while the saxophone 'flies' above like a bird. Shakespeare's text compares the movement of waves to time passing and the approach of death. The piece builds to a passionate and troubled climax before coming to a peaceful rocking section, where the plainsong is introduced. In the same way that the church represents history and community, the plainsong binds the piece together in an act of remembrance.
Like as the waves was composed in March 2026 and premiered by St Martins Voices, Andrew Earis (conductor) and Huw Wiggin (saxophone) at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London on 17th March 2026.
Duration: c.6'5 mins
Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore
So do our minutes hasten to their end.
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exsultemus et in ipson jucundemur.
(Where charity and love are, God is there.
Love of Christ has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice in Him and be glad.)
for SATB Choir and Soprano Saxophone
Like as the waves is a setting of the opening two lines from Shakespeare's Sonnet No. 60, combined with several lines from the plainsong Ubi Caritas. The piece is inspired by St Winwaloe Church in Gunwalloe, on the coast of Cornwall. This church sits next to the beach, close to the sea in a stunning location. Sounds of the sea and seagulls are evoked by the choir, while the saxophone 'flies' above like a bird. Shakespeare's text compares the movement of waves to time passing and the approach of death. The piece builds to a passionate and troubled climax before coming to a peaceful rocking section, where the plainsong is introduced. In the same way that the church represents history and community, the plainsong binds the piece together in an act of remembrance.
Like as the waves was composed in March 2026 and premiered by St Martins Voices, Andrew Earis (conductor) and Huw Wiggin (saxophone) at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London on 17th March 2026.
Duration: c.6'5 mins
Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore
So do our minutes hasten to their end.
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exsultemus et in ipson jucundemur.
(Where charity and love are, God is there.
Love of Christ has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice in Him and be glad.)