Drop Down, Ye Heavens

Description

Written for the Pembroke College Chapel Choir in November 2022, “Drop down, ye heavens” is a setting of the refrain and final stanza of the Advent Prose, itself based on various portions of the Book of Isaiah. An incessant ostinato figure on the organ accompanies rich homophony in the mixed chorus (with occasional divisi), creating a sense of tension and mystery. The ostinato develops as the piece builds to its climactic phrase: 'I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions.' Here the ostinato ceases and the voices break free. However, it soon returns and the voices hush: 'Fear not, for I will save thee.' The return of the refrain text heralds a second climax ('let the skies poor down') when the ostinato and vivid harmonies modulate before a soft and content close.