Eventide

The Full Score of Eventide , the epic composition inspired by the story of Edith Cavell, compiled from texts relating to her imprisonment, composed by the great Patrick Hawes . This is the reduced version, scored for Soprano, SATB Chorus, Unison Semi-Chorus, Trumpet, Harp, Organ and Strings. This work is dedicated to Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society and Gresham's, Holt, who first performed this work in Norwich Cathedral on the 12th of July 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.  Lasting around 45 minutes, this large-scale work has the subtitle 'In Memoriam Edith Cavell', who is commemorated here as a nurse to German and Britishwounded who went on to provide refuge to escaped and lost British soldiers, who were enabled by her to return to England. As a result of this, she was arrested for 'treason' and condemned to death. While in prison, her only possessions were her Bible, her Book of Common Prayer and a copy of the Imitation of Christ. The libretto, as compiled by Andrew Hawes, is made up of extracts from these books, as well as other materials relating to her final days.  This tribute to a brave and courageous life is fitting for a composition commemorating the First World War. The tragedy and pathos surrounding Cavell's life is hard for us to understand, but by placing words so personal to her in the context of a piece of beautiful music, it forces us to think and remember, while also condemning the actions of so many figures of authority on an innocent and pious nurse during that horrific period.