Holy Manna

• Premiere: Grace Episcopal Church / Newton, MA / Dr. Linda Clark

• Instrumentation: SAB and piano

• Duration: 2:00'

• Text: George Atkins (1793-1827); Tune: William More

• Suitable for choirs of all levels

• Appropriate for worship or performance

Program Note

Completed in 2007 in Newton, Massachusetts, this piece was originally written as part of the song cycle, Southern Harmony Songs, volume one, for low voice and piano. Three of these songs -Holy Manna, Star in the East, and Wondrous Love - were adapted as choral motets.  All three were premiered at Grace Church, Newton.  This particular motet captures the rollicking nature of a revival-type atmosphere, complete with hints of bluegrass and an at-times bombastic accompaniment.