for mixed choir (SATB with divisi) a cappella
Text: English (Bible, Romans 11 & Isaiah 55)
Duration: 3.5 minutes
Difficulty: 3/5

O the depth is a devotional work, suitable as an introit or short anthem, which couples together a passage from the New Testament (Romans 11) and a single verse from the Old Testament (Isaiah 55) which McGlade felt complemented each other very well. The beautiful texts, both of which dwell upon God’s unfathomable wisdom and knowledge, naturally lend themselves to expressive treatment. In this setting, with its long legato lines, gentle dissonances and feeling of space and poise, the composer conveys something of the sense of wonder and majesty contained in the words.

Text
O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath given to God that he should repay him? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things.

His ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

To whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Becky McGlade
Becky was born in 1974 and grew up in Cornwall. She studied music at Royal Holloway, University of London, and after graduating, returned to Cornwall where she now leads a busy musical life as a composer, cellist, and piano and cello teacher. Becky developed a love of singing at an early age and her interest in sacred choral music grew during her time as a member of the Royal Holloway Chapel Choir. She now composes mainly choral music and draws much of her inspiration from her Christian faith. Her works, which include psalm settings, carols, and settings of other texts, biblical and secular, are written in a recognisable, engaging and personal style. Becky’s setting of Christina Rossetti’s poem In the bleak midwinter has become very widely performed following its premiere recording by Truro Cathedral Choir, broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and publication by Boosey & Hawkes. She has also written numerous songs for solo voice and works for string ensembles.