The text by Thomas Moore places this Irish air from early 1800 in an idyllic river valley. With simple four-part singing in easy ranges it is an excellent selection for high school choirs. Duration: ca. 3:50.

from Riverdance-The Heart’s Cry was written in praise of feminine qualities. The text refers to the salmon and the eagle. The salmon was traditionally a symbol for wisdom in Irish folklore and its daring journey back to its birthplace is a wonderful example of the powerful instinct to procreate in nature. The eagle’s fierce protection of its young is a symbol for motherhood.

Specifically written for a cappella mixed voices this expressive setting of the Irish melody will melt hearts with its traditional setting glinting of contemporary writing. It's a beautiful introduction of this classic to singers of all ages.

This anthem was commissioned by Sam Wanamaker of the Globe Theatre Trust and first performed at Southwark Cathedral by the Exultate Singers under Garrett O'Brien on 23rd April 1972.In spite of Berkeley's adherence to RomanCatholic traditions the hymn is close to Anglican patterns and shows Berkeley's return to diatonic materials after a more exploratory approach in the 1960s. There is even a melodic blue not or false relation also found in someof Berkeley's earlier music as well as later pieces such as the sixth Prelude and a prominent motif in Nelson. The Irish-born C. Day-Lewis (1904-72) was poet laureate from 1968 until hisdeath.                Peter Dickinson