For I will consider my cat Jeoffry

shortlisted for RCO (Royal College of Organists) composition competition 2020

• Poor Fish
• Dog and Cat

For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry.
For first he looks upon his forepaws to see if they are clean.
For secondly he kicks up behind to clear away there.
For thirdly he works it upon stretch with the forepaws extended.
For fourthly he sharpens his paws by wood.
For fifthly he washes himself.
For sixthly he rolls upon wash.
For seventhly he fleas himself, that he may not be interrupted upon the beat.
For eighthly he rubs himself against a post.
For ninthly he looks up for his instructions.
For tenthly he goes in quest of food.
For the English Cats are the best in Europe.
For the divine spirit comes about his body to sustain it in complete cat.
For his tongue is exceeding pure so that it has in purity what it wants in music.
For he is docile and can learn certain things.
For he can fetch and carry.
For he can jump over a stick.
For he can spraggle upon waggle at the word of command.
For he can tread to all the measures upon the music.
For he can swim for life.
For he can creep.

from Jubilate Agno (Rejoice in the Lamb) by Christopher Smart (1722-1771)

• vocal - solo voice with piano
• vocal - solo voice with organ
• vocal - solo voice with ensemble