"History, Analysis and Performance Considerations of Gerald Finzi's ...

75pleasant dream upon being awakened from a deep sleep. As the organ interlude draws thissection to a close, it would not be out of character to begin a slight ritardando in measure 157,prior to Finzi’s indicated tenuto at measure 158. While the final choral recapitulation in thismeasure is highly significant, the slowness of the final resulting tempo (starting from thesuggested M.M. 52 at measure 156), and prolongation of final organ notes may or may notnecessitate any additional significant pause prior to the choral entrance at the end of measure158. A sensitive conductor will ascertain the most effective dramatic timing of this moment.Section A’As the spirit of the a theme returns, so also should the dark and senza vibrato vocaltimbre employed in its original presentation, always however, with an underlying sense offervent energy regardless of tempo. Finzi has placed Crashaw’s text with great sensitivity to thestresses of “dry,” “soul,” and “eyes” in the opening choral phrase (measures 158-160). As Finziindicates a small crescendo to the word “eyes,” a small diminuendo should complete the swell,following the fall of the small arch, and preparing for the next phrase at the dynamic of piano. Abreath should also be placed after the word “see,” to delineate the organization of the Crashawlines and separate the gesture Finzi uses for each. The second phrase, “And drink. . .” should beslightly stronger in overall dynamic, with emphasis given to “drink,” “un-sealed,” “source,” and“thee,” with a tenuto on this final word, followed again by a breath to prepare for the finaldramatic phrase of the work. “When” should be treated as the most significant anacrusis of thepiece, freely holding for perhaps twice its value, in order to give a full measure of crescendo into“Glory’s sun” whereupon time is also stretched to enjoy the unfolding of the glorious heavenlyvision in measures 162-164. As fading has been shown to be a recurring element of this work,each word of “faith’s shades shall chase” should decrease in dynamic level. A fermata placed on