O Bird

O Bird was commissioned by Isaac Stone in 2018 along with two other works, each setting a poem by George Eliot. O Bird is the first piece in the set. A second version that replaces the piano with vibraphone and marimba accompaniment was also arranged for the University of Canterbury Consortia Chamber Choir. 

O Bird is based upon the text Ay De Mi by George Eliot: 

O bird, that used to press,
Thy head against my cheek
With touch that seem'd to speak,
And ask a tender 'yes' -
Ay de mi, my bird:
Ay de mi, my bird, my bird -
Ay de mi, my bird.

O tender downy breast,
And warmly beating heart,
That beating seem'd a part
Of me who gave it rest -
Ay de mi, my bird:
Ay de mi, my bird, my bird -
Ay de mi, my bird.