The Reproaches (Sanders) — Choir of St Paul's Cathedral

The choir of St Paul's Cathedral, London, under the direction of John Scott, perform contemporary British composer John Sander's 'The Reproaches'. The antiphonal or responsorial Reproaches, or Improperia, are traditionally part of the Roman Catholic observance of Passiontide. Though banned during the English Reformation, the Improperia came to be of interest to musicians and liturgists associated with the Oxford Movement, and historical and contemporary settings of the Reproaches have since found favour in certain corners of Anglican worship.

Sanders' Reproaches were first performed at Glouceser Cathedral as part of the musical liturgy of Good Friday. The piece, which mixes plainsong chant with harmony, has drawn comparisons to much earlier choral works set for use during Passiontide, Allegri's 'Miserere Mei Deus' not the least among them.

[ Text: ]

O my people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!

I led you out of Egypt, from slavery to freedom, but you led your Saviour to the cross.

O my people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!

Holy is God! Holy and strong! Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

For forty years I led you safely through the desert. I fed you with manna from heaven, and brought you to a land of plenty; but you led your Saviour to the cross.

Holy is God! Holy and strong! Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

What more could I have done for you? I planted you as my fairest vine, but you yielded only bitterness: when I was thirsty you gave me vinegar to drink, and you pierced your Saviour's side with a lance.

Holy is God! Holy and strong! Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I opened the sea before you, but you opened my side with a spear.
I led you on your way in a pillar of cloud, but you led me to Pilate's court.

O my people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!

I bore you up with manna in the desert, but you struck me down and scourged me.
I gave you saving water from the rock, but you gave me gall and vinegar to drink.

O my people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!

I gave you a royal sceptre, but you gave me a crown of thorns.
I raised you to the height of majesty, but you have raised me high on a cross.

O my people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!


[ Recording available on the disk 'Passiontide at St Paul's' (Hyperion 1997) ]