FROM THE HEART

Text: Beethoven

SATB a cappella

Duration: 5 mins

Originally premiered as by Ian Lawson

'Von Herzen – möge es wieder – zu Herzen gehen!'  ' From the heart – may it return to the heart!'

These are the immortal words of Beethoven, on the title page of his great Missa Solemnis score.

In February 2019, Crouch End Festival Chorus invited composers to submit their intepretation of these words in a five minute composition for unaccompanied mixed choir to complement a performance of the Missa Solemnis.

The competition judging panel included Debbie Wiseman and the choir’s Music Director David Temple.

"It was the judges' unanimous decision to select Ian Lawson as the winner. Ian's work echoes beautifully the simplicity of the words, 'From the heart - may it return to the heart!' and the judges felt that it would sit perfectly as a scene-setter to Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis."

First performed - Crouch End Festival Chorus, dir. David Temple, Oct 5, 2019, 

Queen Elizabeth Hall, London.

Recording of first performance: