The text is adapted from The Book of Job, and is conceived as a dialogue between Job and God. The countertenor soloist represents Job, and the choir and other soloists are the voice of God.

Where possible, the soloist singing Job should be spatially separated from the choir, in such a way that the audience or congregation can still clearly hear the text and see the singer. Job’s music may then be accompanied by a second instrument, when available, such as a chamber organ with pedals.

In movement VI, during Job’s fi nal solo, the soloist should gradually move to join the choir.

Whether one or two instruments are used, the fortissimo of passages marked ‘Organ 1’ should be louder than the fortissimo of passages marked ‘Organ 2’!
Dynamics for the choir are indicated, but not for the soloists. The soloists have complete freedom with regard to dynamics, and should not attempt to match those indicated for the organ.

Commissioned by All Saints Church, Northampton. First Performance on 22 November 2013 November 2013 at All Saints, Northampton, given by the church choir conducted by Lee Dunleavy, Director of Music