This edition was prepared by Peter Foggitt — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
In a valley of this restless mind
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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In a valley of this restless mind by Peter Foggitt — Lyrics
In a valley of this restless mind,
I sought in mountain and in meed,
Trusting a truelove for to find,
Upon a hill then I took heed:
A voice I heard, and near I yeed
In huge dolour complaining tho:
See, dear soul, my sides bleed
Quia amore langueo.
"I am true love that false was never;
My sister, man's soul, I loved her thus:
Because we would in no wise dissever,
I left my kingdom glorious.
I purveyed for her a palace precious;
She fleeth; I follow. I sought her so,
I suffered this pain piteous,
Quia amore langueo.
I crowned her with bliss, and she me with thorn;
I led her to chamber, and she me to die;
I brought her to worship, and she me to scorn;
I did her reverence, and she me villainy.
To love that loveth is no mastery;
Her hate made never my love her foe.
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About In a valley of this restless mind
For SATB choir, Peter Foggitt's In a valley of this restless mind sets a deeply personal and devotional English text. The composer captures the soul's journey of seeking solace and divine love amidst inner turmoil. The lyrics, with their allegorical language of a search for true love culminating in the poignant 'Quia amore langueo' ('Because I languish for love'), speak of sacrifice and unrequited affection from a divine perspective. This motet explores the profound relationship between the soul and its creator, offering a rich and reflective musical setting suitable for contemplative moments within a service or concert programme. The SATB voicing allows for expressive harmonic colours to underscore the text's emotional weight.
