SATB sacred music to make your heart ache
SATB a capella choir or vocal quartet
Text: George Herbert
The Altar, first in Becky’s ‘Soul Architecture’ song cycle, is a ‘shape poem’ by the 17th century mystic priest, George Herbert. The words are set in the shape of a table, the Lord’s Table, and the letter ‘I’ as the central podium.
The Altar is a searingly personal cry for connection and redemption, focusing on our brokenness as individuals. Becky has echoed Herbert’s technique of structure and choice of materials with music.
The Altar, although not explicitly about communion, addresses the great mystery and promise of Jesus’ sacrifice in moving us into a relationship with our creator where each heart is not alone.
Written in 1989, this 4-minute piece is suitable for advanced a capella choirs and was premiered by Syntony. It is the first in the Soul Architecture series.
Listen to a sample of The Altar by Syntony
Click to enlarge
Where to buy
The score and CD of Syntony’s performance of The Altar are normally available at the Australian Music Centre but it is closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. You can read more about The Altar at:
You can purchase The Altar directly from Becky by emailing her: