Unity is dedicated to the composer's oldest sister, Gay Lynn, on her marriage to Peter. The piece was premiered by the composer at her sister's wedding during the lighting of the unity candle. The piece opens and closes with the Gregorian chant from the Introit of the Nuptial Mass (Tobias 7:15 and 8:19). The part of the chant that is used in Unity translates to "May the God of Israel join you together; and may He be with you."
Original Latin Text
Deus Israel conjungat vos, et ipse sit vobiscum, qui misertus est duobus unicis: et nunc,
Domine, fac eos plenius benedicere te. Ps. Beati omnes qui timent Dominum: qui ambulant
in viis ejus.
English Translation of Text
May the God of Israel join you together; and may he be with you, who took pity upon two
only children: and now, O Lord, make them bless thee more fully. (Ps. 127:1) Blessed are
all they that fear the Lord; that walk in his ways.
