O Food to Pilgrims Given

A lyrical work for both choir and organ. The writing is mainly modal and homophonic. Reminiscent of a Sacred Harp style, White never takes you far afield. The organ accompaniment proves to be helpful to the singers while steering away from simply doubling the vocal parts. The results here are very satisfying. The text is an English translation of a seventeenth-century Latin text which is also the basis of the hymn “O Bread of Life from Heaven”. While Eucharistic in theme, the tree stanzas also contain, naturally, a thanksgiving emphasis, lending to varying possibilities throughout the fall season.
Cross Accent
September 2005