O Sons and Daughters: O Filii et Filiae

The traditional O filii et filiae tune is paired with four familiar verses suitable for Easter morning in this choral anthem (no mention of the doubting Thomas here). The brass writing is interesting and essential, never a simple doubling of either voices or organ. The organ part does do a fair amount of simple voice doubling, buttressing the choir against the brass accompaniment. Two percussionists are required to fulfill the score as printed, one on four timpani and the other on finger cymbals and tambor. Livingston breaks the rigidity of the 6/4 meter at the end of the first verse with shortened 5/4 measures, increasing the drive into verse two. He then cleverly casts verse two in the relative minor of the parallel major, allowing interesting harmonic interplay between the surrounding music. Sopranos and altos divide in a handful of spots, but even smaller ensembles could find success with this majestic setting.
Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
October 2013