for mixed choir (SATB) a cappella
Text: Latin (Psalm 145)
Duration: 1'30''
Difficulty: 2/5
Use: Communion, Grace, Harvest, General


Composer's note
Oculi omnium was written during a visit to south-west France, and is a peaceful setting of the plainchant gradual taken from the Book of Psalms, Psalm 145 vv 14–15. Beginning and ending in C major, the work's expressive melodic line creates a resoundingly comforting atmosphere. It won the Brasenose College Oxford Platnauer Grace competition, receiving a premiere by internationally-acclaimed vocal group Voces8 in Brasenose College Chapel on 24 October 2010.


Text
Oculi omnium spectant in te, Deus. Tu das illis escas tempore opportuno. Aperis manum tuam et imples omne animal tua benedictione. Mensae caelestis nos participes facias, Deus, Rex aeternae gloriae. Amen


The eyes of all look to thee, O God. Thou givest them food in due season. Thou openest thy hand and fillest every living thing with thy blessing. Make us participants at the heavenly banquet, O God, King of Eternal Glory. Amen.


Psalm 145:14–15


Thomas Hewitt Jones
Thomas Hewitt Jones is an award-winning composer of concert and commercial music. Winner of the BBC Young Composer competition in 2003, he has since had a number of pieces performed, broadcast and published. His ballet, vocal and instrumental music, in particular, is highly acclaimed. His carol ‘Child of the Stable’s Secret Birth’ was premiered by John Rutter and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2010, and he has had pieces published by Faber Music, ABRSM, Novello & Co, Universal Music and Oxford University Press as well as Boosey & Hawkes. Thomas has also worked in Hollywood, and composed the music for the 2012 Olympics Mascots animated films.