Why O Lord Do You Stand Far Off?

Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? was written in memory of the victims of the London bombings on 7 July 2005, questions the presence of God in times of human disaster, particularly when committed by man upon his fellow man. The piece's focus lies in the two rhetorical questions first sung by the female voices at the beginning. This opening three note motif returns frequently throughout the work, forever challenging the whereabouts of God's watchful eye. This commemorative setting of Psalm 10 was recorded by the Exeter College Chapel Choir in 2006. The Novello New Choral Series is an inspiring selection of new works from a range of contemporary composers, offering pieces for all types of choirs, including sacred and secular works from simple, four-part settings to more expansive, yet accessible, repertoire in an exciting variety of styles. This collection is perfect for choirs looking to broaden their repertoire and explore some of the best new music around. Jonathan bridcut (b.1984) has written a broad range of works for choir and orchestra that have been performed throughout the UK and europe. Jonathan was a treble at Winchester College where he was head Quirister in 1998, before Moving on to Radley College as top music scholar. He developed his interest in composition at Oxford University while studying at Exeter College as both an academic and choral Scholar. His first set of Evening Canticles was premiered in 2004, and a year later a second was performed in St Paul’s Cathedral. Recent highlights include performances at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre, Tewkesbury Abbey, St James’s Piccadilly and at the Lausanne Summer Festival, by choirs and orchestras including Schola Cantorum of Oxford, Commotio and The Oxford Spezzati. Future engagements include performances by the Oxford Spezzati and Laudate in London, Lyon and Chester (where his latest choral commission will be premiered in September 2011). Jonathan graduated from Oxford in 2006 with a BA in Modern History and is now an associate solicitor at Allen & Overy in London.