O Taste and See

for SSA unaccompanied, with opt. organ introduction Despite being composed for the grand event that was the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this motet is tender and reflective. Setting text from Psalm 34: 8, the composer opens the piece with the quiet beauty of an unaccompanied treble/soprano solo. After this the lower voices are gently introduced in an imitative texture, in which the simplicity of the rhythms and melodic lines creates a sense of peace and stillness. The motet is particularly suited to performance during communion, having being performed at this point in the coronation service. A version for SATB choir is also available.

Vaughan Williams has come to be regarded as one of the finest British composers of the 20th century. He has a particularly wide-ranging catalogue of works, including choral works, symphonies, concerti, and opera. His searching and visionary imagination, combined with a flexibility in writing for all levels of music-making, has meant that his music is as popular today as it ever has been.