Video Information

• Choir: St Peter's Singers of Leeds
• Piece: Cast me not away from Thy presence:
• Composer:  Samuel Sebastian Wesley
• Conductor:  Dr Simon Lindley
• Voices:  SATB
• Genres: A cappella, Sacred
• Written in 1848 for the Choir of what was then Leeds Parish Church, 'Cast me not away' is a masterpiece in miniature. Owing much to the polyphonic work of the Renaissance, the motet is a deeply-felt work written during Wesley's period of recuperation fro...  moreWritten in 1848 for the Choir of what was then Leeds Parish Church, 'Cast me not away' is a masterpiece in miniature. Owing much to the polyphonic work of the Renaissance, the motet is a deeply-felt work written during Wesley's period of recuperation from a fall whilst out fishing in the North Yorkshire countryside at Helmsley. The chromatic clashes at the words "the bones which Thou hast broken" are almost certainly reflective of the pain the composer had suffered, for his leg was badly broken and he walked ever after with a noticeable limp.
  
  This performance was recorded in Leeds Minster on Sunday 28th April 2013 during the recital of 'Music with Minster connections' sung by St Peter's Singers of Leeds, directed by Dr Simon Lindley.
  
  Leeds Minster, formerly Leeds Parish Church, has a long and distinguished musical history. The list of organists and past organists of the Parish Church of St Peter-at-Leeds is outstanding. 'Music with Minster connections' celebrated both this heritage and the status of Leeds Minster with music from its famous composers since the consecration of the then-new building on 2nd September 1841, over 171 years ago.
  
  More details about St Peter's Singers, including forthcoming concerts, recitals and liturgical performances, may be found on our website http://www.stpeters-singers.org.uk and on our Facebook group page 'St Peter's Singers of Leeds'.
  
  
  Cast me not away [1848]
  Cast me not away from Thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
  Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation: and uphold me with Thy Spirit.
  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
  a broken and contrite heart. Thou wilt not despise, O God.
  Make me to hear of joy and gladness:
  that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
  (psalm 51, verses 11, 12, 17 and 8)  less