Motet notes - Harbison

"Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled" forms the third section of But Mary Stood, a piece for chorus and string orchestra commissioned by the Cantata Singers.  The text of this movement, which is for a capella choir, comes from Jesus’ farewell words to the disciples in the Book of John. In suggesting a mysterious bridge to the next world these words have offered consolation and hope to many including the requestor and dedicatee of the motet, Janet Penfield.