Stephen Brown: Compositions

A four movement quiet, contemplative work for soprano, chorus and string orchestra, text by St. Francis of Assisi. Premiere St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Sidney, B.C., as part of The Sidney Concert Series, October 19, 2001. Catherine Lewis soprano Via Choralis, St Cecilia Orchestra, Elizabeth Brown conductor.

Subsequent performance by the Victoria Conservatory of Music Senior Choir and Orchestra, Evelyn de la Haye soprano, Catherine Lewis conductor, December 15, 2001, Alix Goolden Performance Hall, Victoria, BC.

Duration: 18:30 minutes

Swan House Victoria SJB 1313
Full score: $15.00. Vocal score: $5.00. A single set of parts: $10.00,
extra strings $3.00 each

The Canticle of the Sun

Most high, all powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praise, the glory, honour,
and all blessing.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
And no man is worthy to utter Your name.

Be praised, my Lord,
with all Your creatures,
Especially sir Brother Sun,
who is day itself, and through him,
You illumine us.
And he is beautiful and radiant
with splendour great:
of You, Highest One, He is the visible sign.

Be praised, my Lord,
through Sister Moon and the stars:
in heaven. You have formed them clear and
precious and fair.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through Air both stormy and serene, and
every season
through whom You give nourishment
to Your creatures.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water,
who is so useful and humble and
precious and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You light up the night:
And he is beautiful and gay and and mighty
and strong.

Be praised, my Lord,
through our Sister, Mother Earth,
who nourishes and rules us,
and brings forth fruits of all kinds,
With brightly hued flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord,
through those who forgive for the love of You,
and who bear illness and tribulation.
Blessed those who live in peace,
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can flee,
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed those, whom she finds doing
Your most holy will,
For the second death will harm them not.

Praise and bless my Lord,
And give Him thanks and serve Him
with great humility.

St. Francis of Assisi.