This poem of Anne Boleyn was obviously written in the Tower of London as she awaited her eventual execution. In this work the soprano is Anne Boleyn; the violin, Death. The melodies and harmonies are modal, starting with Dorian and moving through the darker modes until the final stanza is in Locrian. Death as portrayed by the violin is at times sensuous; other times, menacing. Anne’s moods range from a defiant declaration of her innocence to a joyous thought of past pleasures to a gradual acceptance of the coming of death.

The three-note theme which the voice announces, “Sing, O sing,” is the basis for most of the “Praise” section. Also featured is the Hebrew word, “Teruah,” a shout of joy, used in much the same way as the more familiar “Hallelujah.” The final shorter “Hope” section is based on a Hebrew chant used with Psalms. The harmonies are mostly quartal. Only at the end with the last repeating of “our hope in Thee,” do we hear a resolution to a final major chord with a soft high sounding of the original three-note motif.

This work in its entirety is intended for a concert or recital program. However, certain sections can be excerpted for use in a church service. Listed below are inclusive measure numbers for these sections. Also indicated are suggested uses in the service.

Praise Solo: Measures 10-80 (for an ending repeat measures 69 and 70)
Meditative Solo: Measures 83-126.
Call to Prayer: Measures 231-246 (first half of the measure)
Benediction: Measures 246-end