Invictus

Invictus was commissioned by the New England Conservatorium in 2016 for the New England Sings Festival. The world premiere performance was conducted by Mark O’Leary.

In 1875 William Henley penned this short but powerful poem from within the infirmary after losing his leg to complications from tuberculosis. This coupled with reflections on his impoverished childhood inspired the poem which 100 years later, Nelson Mandela carried, and read to his fellow prisoners while incarcerated at Robben Island Prison for 27 years. It remains one of the most loved and important poems of all time. ‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unvanquished’ or ‘unconquered’. This chorus of this piece ‘Invictus Maneo’ translates to “I remain unvanquished’.

The poem is Paul’s personal favourite. In 1990, riding his motorbike, Paul was struck by a truck in a serious head on collision that nearly cost him his life and took years to overcome. This poem helped him get through.

Invictus is available also wth full symphony orchestra. If you are interested, simply contact us directly for parts and scores before you purchase the choral music.

The performance below is from the 2018 HICES Music Festival, Sydney Town Hall, conducted by Paul. We would like to thank the New England Conservatorium for making this piece possible and HICES for the first public performance of this work after the première in 2016.

The audio below is a demo recording. 

Themes

Sing a choir favourite Sing a Finale Sing a global story Sing a message Sing from the heart
Duration 5:50
Key G Major
Range Standard SATB - Low G for Basses and High G for SOPS
More info Recommended for finale works and large concerts with symphony orchestra - please contact Paul for parts and scores
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

INVICTUS
William Henley

Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole
I thank what ever Gods may be 
For my unconquerable soul

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloodied but unbowed

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid

It matters not how strait the gate
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate
I cam the captain of my soul

William Henley 1875