Arvo Pärt

Littlemore Tractus

Littlemore Tractus was commissioned first in 1999 so that its first performance in February 2001 would coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of the English priest, poet, nineteenth century controversialist and educationalist John Henry Newman (born 21 February 1801 died in August 1890). The words of Littlemore Tractus, originally composed by Arvo Pärt for choir and organ, come from a sermon Newman preached in 1843 in the village of Littlemore entitled: 'Wisdom and Innocence', the sermon ends with these much quoted words: May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done! Then in his mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.These poetic words have found their way into English prayers, funeral liturgies and they have been translated into many languages. (Revd Canon Bernhard Schunemann) Vicar of St Stephen's South Dulwich in London (2013)