Love Bade Me Welcome (TTBB)
Performed by members of the WCDA during its 2022 summer conference
“Love Bade Me Welcome” is a simple setting of the beautiful “Love (III)” by Christian poet George Herbert. The poem portrays God, or perhaps specifically Christ, as Love Himself. Speaking with Christ is a lowly sinner who, in the depths of the guilt and shame of his sin, is invited into the presence of his God. The sinner at first resists this love on the basis of his unworthiness, but his resistance is soon undone by the evident grace and mercy of his Lord.
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This setting is in four parts, originally set for a men’s choir to portray the voice of Christ. Excepting a few instances of sharp, guilt-ridden dissonance, this piece’s chord texture remains largely consonant and simple throughout, matching the sweetness and simplicity of Love’s message.
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This piece was the winner of the 2019-20 WCDA Student Choral Composition Competition.
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