Ubi Caritas est Vera

Giles evokes a serene musical aura as he casts the opening statement of "Ubi Caritas" as an alto and tenor duet in an organum-like setting. The text, taken from the "Mandatum", the rite of the washing of the feet traditionally observed on Maundy Thursday, is sensitively expressed by the rhythm of the music. Also, Giles' employment of extended vocal ranges and dynamics helps to express the vastness of the love described in this text. Though particularly appropriate for Maundy Thursday, it will also serve well as a general anthem for Holy Communion.