The central themes of love and unity contained in this famous antiphon text shine through in Laura Sheils’ new setting of Ubi Caritas. A short faux-plainchant section performed by the sopranos begins the piece. As the other lines enter, the parts diverge creating diatonic note clusters which eventually resolve onto a majestic declamation of the text ‘Ubi caritas et amor, deus ibi est.’ The piece feels rooted in the traditions of past choral literature yet relishes many of the compositional traits of today. Sections of rich homophony, often based on strong fifths in the bass part, offer a fuller tonal palate. These moments are contrasted by fluid polyphonic sections which feel more tender and introverted.

A piece of unassuming power and impact considering its simple 4-part texture with sparing use of divisi.