I was interested to see that Caroline Leighton's short anthem Could the sky forget rain? is noted as being ‘suitable for Mothering Sunday’. However, the words, by Anne Atkins, which also include beautiful references to animals protecting their young, express the idea of the loving motherhood of God and nature more than just simple human motherhood, which will surely make it suitable for many occasions. Set to a popular song structure which will be easy and enjoyable to learn, the version for high voice and piano is very well placed for young developing voices. Although written for ‘solo voice,’ I think this would work well with a choir of young singers.

SATB & pno, or high voice & pno Encore Publications £2.65