Honi soit qui mal y pense

Perfect for a spirited concert opener or a vibrant encore, Morel's Honi soit qui mal y pense is a lively secular canon in French. The text itself, famously the motto of the Order of the Garter, translates to 'Shame be to him who thinks evil of it', suggesting a theme of innocent enjoyment or perhaps a playful defiance. This setting is written for an unusually large and varied vocal ensemble, with parts for AAAAAABBB. The composer masterfully employs canonic techniques to build excitement and drive, making it a challenging yet rewarding piece for advanced choirs seeking to showcase their precision and vocal agility.