IX. The Wellspring (2015)
Music by Bob Chilcott (b. 1955); Text by Kevin Crossley-Holland (b. 1941)
English composer Bob Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong association with choral music. He was a chorister and choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, Cambridge and is a former member of the King’s Singers. He became a full-time composer and conductor in 1997 and has composed a large catalogue of choral music which continues to be widely performed and recorded. “The Wellspring” presents a litany of new names for the Christ child with noticeably aquatic themes. As the chorus sings each title in softly flowing harmonies, the rolling piano gradually propels the ensemble towards a wave-like climax.
Infant of the bubbling spring,
well in my heart.
Child of the sighing marsh,
breathe in my head.
Son of the keen light,
quicken my eyes.
Rebel of the restless creeks,
tumble in my ears.
Disciple of the rising tide,
dance in my heart.
Teacher of the gruff salt-wind,
educate my tongue.