We sekyn here rest by Judith Weir

We sekyn here rest by Judith Weir
from Revelations of Divine Love by Dame Julian of Norwich (1343 - after 1416)

Originally commissioned by Dee Stewart for Godolphin Vocal Ensemble, Olivia Sparkhall (Director) and Katie Flanaghan (harp), this commission was completed in her memory by Andrew and Louise Stewart. Part of Multitude of Voyces’ Julian of Norwich series.

…we sekyn here rest in these things that is so littil, wherein is no rest, and know not our God that is almighty, al wise, al gode; for he is the very rest. God will be knowen, and him liketh that we rest in him; for all that is beneth him sufficeth not us; and this is the cause why that no soule is restid till it is nowted of all things that is made.

Modern translation by Dr Alison Daniell:

‘...we search here for rest amongst things which will fall to dust and wherein there is no rest to be found; and we regard not our God who is all mighty, all wise and all good and desires us to rest in him. Nothing less than God can truly satisfy us and no soul will be at rest until all earthly things are stripped away.’

This work forms the final part of a four-part series of works originally commissioned by Dee Stewart as a collaborative project between Multitude of Voyces C.I.C. and Godolphin School. The first three works in the series – All shall be well, by Carol J. Jones; Our Endless Day, by Hilary Campbell; Love was his meaning, by Gemma McGregor - have been published by Multitude of Voyces C.I.C. in Volume 2 of the groundbreaking series Sacred Music by Women Composers.