Miserere Mei, Deus

This setting of Miserere Mei Deus opens with a meditative exploration of the selisir scale, a pentatonic mode reminiscent of Southeast Asian gamelan traditions. These tones evolve into quartal harmonies and parallel chords, with handheld percussive sounds from rocks and hammers punctuating the work, serving as a visceral metaphor for the physical and spiritual punishment endured by Christ. In the middle section, a soprano solo emerges with the plea, “Libera me de sanguinibus…”, offering a moment of supplication. In the closing moments, the piece references Sing Out in the Springtime, a tune from a Singaporean children’s assembly songbook (Straits Publishers, 1976), bringing a close to the reflection on the themes of penitence, sacrifice, and redemption.

St Andrews Madrigal Group (world premiere)
Michael Chamberlain, conductor
Florence Gill, soprano solo
Sam Hancock, percussion leader