Duration: 4′
- Suitable for Remembrance and other solemn occasions of thoughtful remembrance.
- Texts: The Liturgical text of Lux aeterna in English and Denise Levertov’s poem, At David’s Grave.
- SATB with organ and (optional) tubular bell or hand bell (D)
- Oxford University Press
- First performance 1 November, 2012 | Oakham Chapel School Choir, Peter Davis, conductor, Rutland, UK.
- Light Eternal (At David’s Grave)
- Yes, he is here in this
- open field, in sunlight, among
- the few young trees set out
- to modify the bare facts—
- he’s here, but only
- because we are here.
- When we go, he goes with us
- to be your hands that never
- do violence, your eyes
- that wonder, your lives
- that daily praise life
- by living it, by laughter.
- He is never alone here,
- never cold in the field of graves.
- Denise Levertov from ‘Relearning the Alphabet’ (1970)
- Lux aeterna
- May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord,
- with thy saints forever, for thou art merciful. Lux aeterna.
- Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
- and may perpetual light shine upon them. Lux aeterna.
- Missa pro defunctis
Light Eternal brings together the liturgical text for Remembrance, Lux Aeterna, and the evocative poetry of Denise Levertov. Commissioned as part of a trilogy suitable for significant occasions during the church calendar year by Oakham School, Light Eternal has a haunting and exotic quality, the music beautifully illustrating the sense of the texts. The anthem was first performed on Armistice Day 2012 by the Oakham Chapel School Choir and conducted by Peter Davis. Suitable for Remembrance and other occasions of solemn commemoration.