Two Motets for St Thomas of Hereford

attrib. Robert of Gloucester (14th century) (E)

Choral level of difficulty: 2-3 (5 greatest)

Given the closeness of Hereford Cathedral to its neighbour at Gloucester in musical connection through the Three Choirs Festival (with Worcester) if nothing else, it is heart-warming to see the 14th century Robert of Gloucester writing two prayers in praise of the 13th century St Thomas Cantilupe, Bishop of Hereford from 1275. These two texts chosen by MacMillan celebrating the 700th anniversary of his canonization in 2020 show clearly the deep affection and respect in which he was held. They were first performed at a Hereford Cathedral Eucharist on 4 October 2020.

The first motet is highly demonstrative with almost jazzy rhythms and fragmentary phrases assuring absolute clarity of text. There is considerable word repetition – a feature we have noted in various recent works, and absolutely no counterpoint. The gentle pianissimo ending, very low, to the words, ‘a light blazes forth from England’ makes me wonder if this had been Scotland whether the light might have blazed rather more forte!

The second motet uses another device we have seen before where the sopranos and altos take the ‘Hail Thomas’ figure at the start with the tenors and basses singing a long pedal point, and the roles being reversed later in the motet. Colour and contrast is assured through the variety of textures, speeds and simple polyphony. These are attractive, highly effective motets which, despite their obvious Hereford connection, make them relevant to All Saints, for use as introits or, of course, in concert programmes.

Repertoire Note by Paul Spicer