Tides Of Ocean

A six-minute piece that uses the Victor Carrell poem which describes the poet’s return to Australia by sea.

The musical setting of the poem falls broadly into four continuous sections.  The opening section comprises a rhythmic and lively music as the choir sings of standing over “tides of ocean”.  There follows a calmer music as the poem carries us into the night with images of moon-paths and flying fish which “flash sparks like jewels,” culminating in a “southward dip” which involves all the tenors and basses descending to their lowest registers.  The slowly emerging Southern Cross and the excitement of its presence is reflected in the third section of the work by the gradual accretion of voices forming a natural crescendo.  The zenith of this crescendo leads the piece to its joyful and spirited conclusion.

The recording above features The Australian Voices (2010) directed by Stephen Leek.

Or watch the Boston Choral Ensemble’s performance here!