O Bird

O Bird was commissioned by Supertonic director Isaac Stone as one of three works setting text by George Eliot. O Bird is the first piece in the set. A second version that replaces the piano with vibraphone and marimba accompaniment was also arranged for the University of Canterbury Consortia Chamber Choir. 

O Bird is based upon the text Ay De Mi by George Eliot: 

O bird, that used to press, Thy head against my cheek With touch that seem'd to speak, And ask a tender 'yes' - Ay de mi, my bird: Ay de mi, my bird, my bird - Ay de mi, my bird. O tender downy breast, And warmly beating heart, That beating seem'd a part Of me who gave it rest - Ay de mi, my bird: Ay de mi, my bird, my bird - Ay de mi, my bird.