This edition was prepared by Douglas Walczak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
I beheld her, beautiful as a dove
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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I beheld her, beautiful as a dove by Healey Willan — Lyrics
I beheld her, beautiful as a dove, rising above the water brooks;
and her raiment was filled with perfume beyond all price.
Even as the springtime was she girded with rosebuds and lilies of the valley.
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About I beheld her, beautiful as a dove
Healey Willan's motet I beheld her, beautiful as a dove is a setting of a text taken from the Song of Solomon. This evocative passage describes the bride, comparing her beauty to a dove and the springtime, with her raiment filled with perfume. The music for SATB choir captures the sensuous imagery, moving seamlessly between moments of hushed reverence and more expansive declarations. Willan's profound understanding of choral writing is evident in the rich harmonies and flowing melodic lines, which create a devotional atmosphere fitting for sacred performance. The piece offers a compelling musical interpretation of this ancient and beautiful biblical text.
