A Ukrainian Prayer

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John writes:

‘How can a composer respond to a global tragedy? By writing music is the most obvious thing. Like everybody, I’ve been shocked and dismayed by the events of recent days, and the first thing I wanted to do was write some music that would respond in my own way.

I went to a late night service in my old college chapel, where they sang a setting of a lovely Ukrainian prayer. So, having encountered the text in another musical setting on Wednesday night, on Thursday, I wrote my own music. I hope the meaning of the text will resonate in people’s hearts. 

I had the opportunity to put it together at very short notice with a wonderful group of 300 people (at a workshop I was leading in Wandsworth, London) which still speaks with my own voice, but in terms that reach out to the Ukrainian people in their hour of need.’

Listen to A Ukrainian Prayer on YouTube:

Боже, Україну храни
Дай нам силу, вірі, й надії
Отче наш, Отче наш
Амінь

A literal translation of the text is:

Good Lord, protect Ukraine.
Give her strength, courage, faith, hope. Amen.

The score is available for free by submitting this form. You are welcome to duplicate the score for the sole use of your own choir. You may like to make a donation to a Ukrainian relief charity, perhaps equivalent to the approximate cost of the copies had you purchased them. If you wish, you are free to make an audio or video recording of the piece without a special licence to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

90 Responses to “A Ukrainian Prayer”

  1. Ms Judi Moore

    We (Island Voices, Portland, Dorset) are a small, all women choir, and are planning to do a concert early this summer to raise funds for Ukraine. This sounds delightful I’ve applied for a score. I’ve mentioned in the application that we aren’t conventional SATB. We often sing in four parts – but we would probably need to rearrange the piece for our voice ranges. Would John be amenable to that?

    Warm wishes
    Judi Moore

  2. Hans Lang

    Ein wunderbares Werk zu einem traurigen Geschehen!
    Wie komme ich zu den Noten?

  3. Anita Andersson

    Dear Mr Rutter! Together we can make a differens. We would be honoured to sing your wonderful piece. Please send us the music. All the best Dalby Chamberchoir

  4. Karen L Eckenroth

    This is a stunningly beautiful piece. What a wonderful tribute and message of hope to the Ukrainian people.

  5. Debra Martin

    I would like a copy of the score for this song.

  6. Sue Mitchell-Wallace

    This very moving composition expresses what is inexpressible, with our hearts in our throats. Thank you, Mr. Rutter, for your true ministry of music and encouraging the world to sing/pray for the country and people of Ukraine.
    With greatest thanksgivings,
    Sue Mitchell-Wallace and St. David’s Episcopal Church Choir