Suite: Veris Gratia (True Grace), Op. 9: Epilogue

Composer: LEIGHTON, Kenneth
  • Leighton’s Veris gratia op. 9 is scored for oboe, cello and strings, and was composed in 1950. 1

“Composed in 1950, this work for oboe, cello and strings was first performed by the Newbury String Players the following year under Gerald Finzi, to whom it is dedicated. The original soloists were Celia Nicklin and Jacqueline du Pré. The music is mainly lyrical and was inspired by lines from Helen Waddell’s Medieval Latin lyrics. Each movement is prefaced by a stanza reflecting some aspect of spring.”

Kenneth Leighton’s program note2
  • Waddell’s Medieval Latin Lyrics was published in 1929. This collection of poetic Latin translations also inspired works by Gustav Holst (ex.: “Before Sleep,” op.52 no.6) and Herbert Howells (ex: “Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing,” commissioned in 1961 for a memorial service for President John F. Kennedy).3
  • The quotation which Leighton selected to head this movement is “…praise together this earth…And God have pity on sadder folk…”4

Sources

  1. Richard Cooke and Malcolm Miller, “Leighton, Kenneth,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed November 6, 2019, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000016344.
  2. “Veris Gratia (Oboe, Violoncello & String Ensemble) (Study Score),” Boosey & Hawkes, accessed November 6, 2019, https://www.boosey.com/shop/prod/Leighton-Kenneth-Veris-Gratia-Study-Score/611760. 
  3. Diana McVeagh, liner notes to Finzi: Cello Concerto; Leighton: Suite ‘Veris Gratia,’ Raphael Wallfisch, George Caird, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley, Chandos 8471, CD, 1986.
  4. Ibid.

Cut IDs

18292