Remembering Inspiration For Tide
Sunday, the 8th of February 2026
Sung part of Victoria Requiem (SATB) at St Patrick’s Soho this morning.
Reminded of singing it here a few weeks ago and being inspired to have a cantus firmus in the finale of Tide (fourth movement of Sea Symphony). At the time, I had the big theme (see below, written while waiting on the sad souls bench at Waitrose). But I had only a hazy impression of the final section. Suddenly, while singing one of those cantus firmus (the ‘tune’ in long notes), it came to me. That’s perfect for the big theme in Tide.
Last Wednesday, I heard it come alive with the London Repertoire Orchestra. The trombones and trumpets sounded fabulous on the cantus firmus – majestic and powerful. The trombones clearly enjoyed playing it and said very nice things about the piece afterwards. It pays to give the players a nice part to play!
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