Walton – Set me as a seal upon thine heart (1938) 

Sir William Walton, a leading figure in 20th-century British music, brought a distinctive voice to the realm of choral composition. Born in 1902, Walton’s career spanned various genres, from film scores to orchestral and vocal works.  

One of his notable choral compositions is “Set me as a seal upon thine heart,” written in 1938 and set to text from the Song of Solomon. “Set me as a seal upon thine heart” showcases Walton’s consummate skill in crafting expressive and evocative choral music. The composition, scored for unaccompanied mixed choir, reflects Walton’s engagement with both tradition and modernity, a characteristic feature of his diverse body of work.  

Within the context of early 20th-century British music, Walton’s choral compositions stand as a bridge between the lush Romanticism of the late 19th century and the more introspective, harmonically complex language of the mid-20th century. The piece reflects Walton’s ability to infuse traditional forms with a modern sensibility, showcasing harmonic richness and expressive intensity.  

The choral writing is characterized by sensitivity to the biblical verses, with the music serving as a vessel for the emotional depth and intimacy expressed in the Song of Solomon. Walton’s use of unaccompanied voices allows the purity of the choral sound to shine, emphasizing the inherent beauty of the human voice.  

In comparison to his contemporaries, such as Benjamin Britten, Walton’s choral works exhibit a more overtly Romantic flavour while still incorporating modern harmonic elements. “Set me as a seal upon thine heart” stands out for its emotive quality and the seamless integration of the text into the fabric of the music. Sir William Walton’s choral composition remains a poignant and expressive contribution to the British choral repertoire. 

Its lyrical beauty, coupled with Walton’s masterful handling of choral textures, continues to captivate audiences. “Set me as a seal upon thine heart” demonstrates Walton’s ability to capture the essence of the text through evocative and deeply resonant choral writing, securing its place as a cherished work within the broader landscape of 20th-century choral music.