Hymn to the Waters

Gustav Holst’s Hymn to the Waters paints a vivid sonic picture of water in its many forms, from its heavenly source to the ocean. The text, a free translation from the Rigveda, addresses the cleansing and life-giving power of water, personifying it as a divine force. The SSAA voicing allows for rich, flowing harmonies that mirror the movement of water, creating an evocative and powerful atmosphere. This secular choral work, set in English, calls for a skilled choir to capture both the grandeur of the natural imagery and the spiritual reverence inherent in the ancient text.