The Innocents
for double SATB choir & organ
Words by Andrew Hawes
forperusalonly
The Innocents
for double SATB choir & Organ
Words by Andrew Hawes (1954 - )
forperusalonly PATRICK HAWES
Premiered on 27th March 2022 as part of Proms at St Jude’s (London, UK) by the Voces8 choir alongside Finchley Children’s Music Group and organist Roger Sayer.
Duration: circa 12 minutes
Composer’s Note
The Innocents was comissioned by Proms at St Jude’s (London) to mark the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the SS City of Benares during WW2. The Benares was a ship carrying 90 children away from wartime London to safety in Canada, but nearly all the children perished after the ship was torpedoed, along with many of their escorts.
Innocent and tragic suffering in war and the fate of children caught up in armed conflict are universal themes. In the sinking of the Benares, at night, far from land, on a voyage that should have taken the children to safety, this suffering unfolded in unimaginable terror. The text for this piece – by my brother Andrew – does deliberately sacrifice particular and detailed reference to the sinking in order to draw out the timeless tragedy of children in war. Nevertheless, it is hoped that those who hear this work will have no doubt that it honours both the children and adults who lost their lives in the sinking of the Benares.
The work is scored for two SATB choirs and organ and follows a largely throughcomposed musical structure. The opening chorale, however, does recur at strategic points: as well as ending the work, it appears in the second choir as an important backdrop to the climax of the drama whilst the first choir describes the terrifying moments of the torpedoes’ impact.
At one extreme, the deep sonorities of the organ suggest the depths of the ocean and the ‘double darkness’. At the other, quiet registrations on the choir and swell manuals are intended to evoke an air of innocent beauty. As the work draws to a close, the appearance of a solo soprano brings home the very personal grief of the family members and friends of those who drowned in the darkness of that September night.
forperusalonly
The Innocents
City of Benares, Ark of Salvation from nightmare nights of flame; For all the terrors that sent them away
The Innocents bear no blame.
Innocents together innocence enfolds, a common dream, a communion of soul. This refuge - a perfect home for Innocents to thrive; Cherished, apart, from all that lurks outside.
The innocents have different eyes: They see a world experience denies. The Innocents have a different heart, Clean, fresh, clear from all the world imparts.
In that night as Innocents sleep, death comes skimming from the deep. Noise shatters silence, slumber becomes screams Innocence drowns in all that war has schemed.
City of Benares, Ark of Salvation from nightmare nights of flame; For all the terrors that sent them away
The Innocents bear no blame.
Torrential chaos, confusion, frozen fear: The listing liner has twisted, jamming gear. Falling, thrashing in the freezing sea, double-darkness is all that can be seen.
Dawn breaks with pity on a wretched sight; Flotsam, bodies, yet some cling to life. Too late for seventy-one the Hurricane arrives desperate sailors seek, yet only seven survive.
The trust of Innocents finds itself betrayed For in hell order is swept away. No light of day can scatter this dread dark The shroud of death lies heavy and will not part.
forperusalonly
In lifeboat twelve six Innocents drift away; A miracle reveals them after eight long days. Thirteen survived and seventy-seven died: Innocents pay the price for greed and pride.
City of Benares, Ark of Salvation from nightmare nights of flame; For all the terrors that sent them away
The Innocents bear no blame.
Words: Andrew Hawes (1954 - )
forperusalonly
forperusalonly
forperusalonly
forperusalonly
forperusalonly
forperusalonly
forperusalonly
Four Christmas Motets
Virga Jesse | Puer Natus | Nesciens Mater | Gaudete Omnes for unaccompanied SATB choir
King Jesus Hath A Garden for SSAA and organ
Let Us Love for SATB choir and piano
Lullay My Liking for unaccompanied ATBarB choir
Peace
Beyond Thought
for unaccompanied SATB choir
The Edenham Eucharist
a communion setting (Common Worship, Order One) for celebrant, congregation, organ and optional SATB choir
The Nativity
The Manger | The Infant | The Oxen | The Shepherds | The Star | The Magi for unaccompanied SATB choir
What Child
Is This?
for unaccompanied SATB choir