A Prayer of Eleanor Roosevelt

The text of this motet, constructed in fine collect form, is a petition for personal strength and conviction, attributes the author certainly embodied. Timothy Hagy’s sensitive setting takes its musical cues from the words, creating a haunting, brooding atmosphere. The essentially D minor tonality is challenged by poignant chromatic inflections, adding to the conflicted mood. The final phrase includes moments for soprano and tenor soloists as the piece concludes with a vision of a better world. This piece of medium difficulty would serve well as an introit or anthem at Evensong.
Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
November 2013