HERE I AM

SATB occasional divisi - Easy/Moderate - 3'20''

S: D4 to F5 A: Bb3 to Db5

T: F3 to Gb4 B: Ab2 (Eb 2 optional) to Bb3

Score available from https://www.encorepublications.com/publications.shtml#willis_a

This piece tells the story of Abraham from Genesis that features in the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols and is driven by the repeated phrase that starts each verse,

‘Abraham! Abraham!’, ‘Here I am,’ says he.

I was struck by the three appearances of the summons from the angel and how Abraham must have felt each time he was called. The music reflects the change from the first summons where he is asked to sacrifice his son, to the second where he is reprieved and the third where he is honoured by the Lord for his faithfulness. There are two linking sections that tell the events between each summons.

The choir sometimes acts as an instrumental texture, allowing the words to be heard clearly as the story unfolds, then culminating in a burst of glory as the Lord declares repeatedly that earth shall be blessed for ever more, for your true love for me.

Do let me know if you are singing it, I'd love to know!

www.alisonwillis.com