Motet for SATB choir and piano

Composed during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown

About the work

Noli Me Tangere was written during the Covid-19 lockdown, when choirs were unable to meet and the act of singing together had become impossible. The work explores separation, longing and the gradual restoration of human contact through music.

The music

The work sets the biblical text Noli me tangere — “Do not touch me” — from the Gospel of John. The music reflects the physical and emotional distance imposed during lockdown, moving from isolation towards a sense of reconnection.

Performance

Noli Me Tangere was conceived during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown and reflects the restrictions placed upon choirs and performers. In its original performance, the singers wore face masks, which were gradually removed during the course of the work. The physical act of removing the masks becomes part of the musical and dramatic journey — a movement from isolation towards human contact.

Original lockdown performance
Mumbles A Cappella — 2020

Live performance
Mumbles A Cappella

Score

The full score is available to view below and may be downloaded as a PDF.