Farrington - Like as the Waves (choir and saxophone)
For SATB choir and soprano saxophone: sheet music copy
Like as the waves is a setting of the opening two lines from Shakespeare's Sonnet No. 60. This compares the movement of waves to time passing and the approach of death. The opening two lines of Shakespeare's sonnet are set in combination with the Ubi Caritas plainsong, as if the sea and the church are coming together to represent the passing of time. Sounds of the sea and seagulls are evoked by the choir, while the saxophone 'flies' above like a bird. The piece builds to a passionate and troubled climax before coming to a peaceful rocking section, where the plainsong is introduced. In the same way that the church represents history and community, so the plainsong binds the piece together in an act of remembrance.
Like as the waves was composed in February 2026 and premiered by St Martins Voices, Andrew Earis (conductor) and Huw Wiggin (saxophone) at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London on 17th March 2026.
Duration: c.7'30 mins
Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore
So do our minutes hasten to their end.
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exsultemus et in ipson jucundemur.
(Where charity and love are, God is there.
Love of Christ has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice in Him and be glad.)