Benedictus

Premiere: April 25, 2000, Royal Albert Hall, London

Benedictus is part of Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, which musically represents the horrors of war and the yearning for peace. Benedictus opens with a gentle cello solo, creating a meditative, almost spiritual atmosphere. The melody gradually unfolds, taken up by the orchestra and choir, which together convey a sense of hope and peace. Jenkins combines simple melodies with a rich yet restrained orchestration, producing a deeply emotional effect.