commissioned by Schola Cantorum of Oxford (for first performance in the University Church, Oxford at 8pm on Friday 20 June 2003); duration: c.6'

Another in the series of choral pieces based on Jesus' statements of identity in John's Gospel (and Revelation) alluding to the name and nature of God, the Great 'I AM'. The eight motets (including I AM the Resurrection and the Life, I AM the Bread of Life, I AM the Light of the World and I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life) are scored for between one and eight voices, and are linked both harmonically and architecturally. I AM the True Vine is scored for six voices and is one of the most intricate pieces in the series - the 'vine' is represented by two 6-part chords which grow into the 'branches' and are increasingly embellished with 'much fruit'.

I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.

(John 15:1-8)