in manus tuas

A couple of days ago, I spontaneously recorded this beautiful piece by Caroline Shaw, which has been in my repertoire since just before I moved to Berlin 5 years ago, and has had a special place in my heart since.

“in manus tuas is based on a 16th century motet by Thomas Tallis. While there are only a few slices of the piece that reflect exact harmonic changes in Tallis’ setting, the motion (or lack of) is intended to capture the sensation of a single moment of hearing the motet in the particular and remarkable space of Christ Church in New Haven, Connecticut. in manus tuas was written in 2009 for cellist Hannah Collins, for a secular solo cello compline service held in the dark, candlelit nave.”

Caroline Shaw