The Call

SATB divisi a cappella, 1’00”

Slighe, fìrinn, agus beatha,
Is mise an t’slighe, fìrinn, agus beatha.

Come, my way, my truth, my life:
Such a way, as gives us breath;
Such a truth, as ends all strife,
Such a life, as killeth death.

Come, my light, my feast, my strength:
Such a light as shows a feast;
Such a feast, as mends in length;
Such a strength, as makes his guest.

Come, my joy, my love, my heart:
Such a joy, as none can move;
Such a love, as none can part;
Such a heart, as joys in love.

Text adapted from John 14:6 (in Scottish Gaelic),
and George Herbert (1593-1633)

This short, joyful piece weaves together text by George Herbert and a fragment of John 14:6 in Scottish Gaelic. The energetic Gaelic ostinato passes between the voices, while a Lydian‑inflected melody carries the English lines, creating a bright interplay of colour and gesture.

Written with the University of Glasgow’s motto (Via, Veritas, Vita) in mind, the work celebrates the meeting of languages in a compact, one‑minute arc.

My thanks to Gillebrìde MacMillan and Kathleen Reddy for their guidance in shaping the modern Gaelic text, Juliet MacKenzie for her support with Gaelic diction, and Edward Marshall for preparing the IPA transcription to support learning.

World premiere by the University of Glasgow Chapel Choir, dir. Katy Lavinia Cooper on 7 June 2026 for BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship.

Recording excerpt featuring the presenter’s introduction and the introit.
Broadcast recording courtesy of BBC Radio 4, with thanks to the University of Glasgow Chapel Choir.