Brethren

for men's voices (tenor, baritone, bass), organ and 3 cellos (or organ alone)

Duration 8' 30"

Words from the Bible (Psalm 133) and by Katharine Lee Bates

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Text

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
[Bible, King James Version, 1611; some verses also in Hebrew and in Arabic]

The battle will not cease
Till once again on those white steeds ye ride,
O heaven-descended Twins,
Before humanity's bewildered host.
Our javelins
Fly wide,
And idle is our cannon's boast.
Lead us, triumphant Brethren, Love and Peace.
...
Guide us, immortal Brethren, Love and Peace.
[from The Great Twin Brethren
Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929)]

Categories choral - low voices accompanied