One World

Description

One World deals with a fractured world (populist governments, plagues, climate change, human trafficking, disrespect for basic humanrights, terrorism, war) and heralds a vision of a peaceful and egalitarian planet. The work is best encapsulated by one of the texts: “Tikkun Olam”, Hebrew for “repair the world”, a Jewish concept of stewardship over God's creation.

Scored for soloists, chorus, and orchestra in Jenkins's inimitable style familiar from such works as Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Requiem, and The Peacemakers. His vision for One World takes inspiration from diverse texts including the Bible, the Hindu Gayatri Mantra, the poetry of the English Romantic Percy Bysshe Shelley, African-American abolitionist Frances Harper (c1850,) and Lebanese-American writer Kahlil Gibran.

As in many of Jenkins's works, Carol Barratt contributes impactful text and adaptations. Recorded on Decca by Lucy Crowe soprano, Kathryn Rudge mezzo-soprano, Roderick Williams baritone, the World Choir for Peace, The Stay At Home Choir, and the World Orchestra for Peace, conducted by Karl Jenkins.