In The Beginning

The cantata for SATB Choir and Piano, In The Beginning was originally written while Gregson was studying at the Royal Academy of Music and scored for women’s Voices and Piano. In 1981 the composer revised and enlarged it extensively. The revised (and published) version is for mixed Choir and Piano. Words are taken from the first four verses of Genesis Chapter 1, the jubilant Latin exhortation Gloria in Excelsis Deo and a poem written by Susan Smith (later Susan Gregson). The compact yet dramatic work is not too technically demanding for intermediate/advanced (grades 6-8) groups. Duration ca. 10 minutes.

Edward Gregson is an Englishcomposer of international standing, whose music has been performed, broadcast, and recorded worldwide. He has written orchestral, chamber, instrumental and choral music, as well as music for the theatre, film, and television.