The Clock

“The Clock” is based on “Hickory Dickory Dock” a traditional English counting nursery rhyme dating back to the 18th Century. The counting poem can be  found first in “Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Songbook” published in London by Mary Cooper, 1744. The text is repetitive and easy for any choir to learn.  Inspired by the idea that “every moment is a fresh beginning,” as expressed by T.S. Eliot,  this composition delves into the cyclical nature of time using the beloved nursery rhyme  “Hickory Dickory Dock” as a metaphor.

“The Clock,” explores the connection between the  concept of a clock and universal life themes.   Each number verse of “Hickory Dickory Dock,” akin to the ticking of a clock, signifies  a distinct moment or unit of time passing. This mirrors the essence of our own lives, where  each passing moment brings the potential for new opportunities and fresh beginnings.  

The variations on the initial melody symbolize the varied experiences and circumstances  we encounter throughout life. By incorporating the 5/8 time signatures, the aim was to capture  the feeling of irregular time in our lives, highlighting the unpredictability and uniqueness of  each moment.  

Designed for an advanced choral ensemble, “The Clock” presents intricate melodic variations  to nuanced rhythmic patterns and allows singers to explore their vocal and artistic capabilities.  For the audience, “The Clock” promises an engaging performance of a rhyme they perhaps  remember as a child.