Walton – Litany (‘Drop slow tears’) (1916 / 1930)  

William Walton, a luminary of 20th-century British music, left an indelible mark on both secular and sacred compositions. Born in 1902, Walton’s career unfolded against the backdrop of a dynamic and evolving musical landscape. Renowned for his symphonic works and film scores, Walton also demonstrated a profound understanding of sacred expression. His “Drop, Slow Tears,” a poignant choral work, showcases Walton’s ability to seamlessly traverse between operatic intensity and sacred introspection. 
 
Walton’s “Drop, Slow Tears” exists in multiple versions, illustrating the composer’s commitment to refining and adapting his compositions. Originally penned in 1956, the anthem encapsulates Walton’s poignant expression of the sacred. The transparent choral lines create an intimate sonic tapestry, emphasizing the emotive power of the text.