Todd, Will: Precious Moment

from "Songs of Peace"

This song is the second movement of Todd’s ‘Songs of Peace’, written in memory of the composer’s mother, Iris Todd, who died in 2012. The text (by the composer: ‘A gift so pure, life so precious, gifted to me’) is intentionally ambiguous suggesting both the gift of the Christ child and less specific gift of life. This work could therefore be used as a Christmas carol as well as more generally.The first verse, with voices singing in unison, presents a contemplative and memorable melody over characteristic, jazz-inspired harmonies in the piano (or organ) accompaniment. This melody is then beautifully interwoven with a counter-melody as the voices split into two parts for the second verse. “Precious Moment” is featured on Tenebrae’s album ‘Lux et Veritas’. "If you work with an experienced SATB youth choir, I would strongly recommend exploring all six movements of Songs of Peace, which is a beautiful work." Joy Hill, Choir & Organ