choral music - preston, s. : gardner, j. : robinson, c. : hickox, r. : warlock, p. : ledger, p. (a...
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Choral Music - PRESTON, S. / GARDNER, J. / ROBINSON, C. / HICKOX, R. / WARLOCK, P. / LEDGER, P. (A Very English Christmas) (Tenebrae, N. Short)TRANSCRIPT
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1 I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston 2.05 Soloists: Emilia Morton soprano, Christopher Watson tenor
2 There Is No Rose Simon Preston 2.54
3 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner 2.31
4 Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd 2.32
5 Rejoice and Be Merry Christopher Robinson 1.55
6 The Birds Richard Hickox 1.55 Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano
7 Benedicamus Domino Peter Warlock 1.21
8 Adam lay ybounden Peter Warlock 1.20
9 I Saw a Fair Maiden Peter Warlock 3.47
10 Balulalow Peter Warlock 2.05 Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano
11 As Dew in Aprylle Peter Warlock 1.52
12 Adam lay ybounden Philip Ledger 2.01 Soloist: Nicholas Madden tenor
13 On Christmas Day Simon Preston 3.49 Soloist: Joanna Forbes L’Estrange soprano
14 On Christmas Night Philip Ledger 2.16
www.tenebrae-choir.com
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15 I Sing of a Maiden Arnold Bax 4.19
16 No Small Wonder Paul Edwards 2.42
17 There Is No Rose Jonathan Lane 2.39
18 Come Rock His Cradle Richard Knight 4.27 Soloist: Stephen Kennedy baritone
19 I Sing of a Maiden Alec Redshaw 2.10
20 Balulalow John Gardner 2.37 Soloist: Katie Trethewey soprano
21 Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn Philip Radcliffe 2.01 Soloists: Grace Davidson soprano, Christopher Watson tenor
22 A Gallery Carol John Gardner 2.13
Total Timing 55.35
www.tenebrae-choir.com
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1 I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston 2.05 Soloists: Emilia Morton soprano, Christopher Watson tenor
2 There Is No Rose Simon Preston 2.54
3 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner 2.31
4 Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd 2.32
5 Rejoice and Be Merry Christopher Robinson 1.55
6 The Birds Richard Hickox 1.55 Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano
7 Benedicamus Domino Peter Warlock 1.21
8 Adam lay ybounden Peter Warlock 1.20
9 I Saw a Fair Maiden Peter Warlock 3.47
10 Balulalow Peter Warlock 2.05 Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano
11 As Dew in Aprylle Peter Warlock 1.52
12 Adam lay ybounden Philip Ledger 2.01 Soloist: Nicholas Madden tenor
13 On Christmas Day Simon Preston 3.49 Soloist: Joanna Forbes L’Estrange soprano
14 On Christmas Night Philip Ledger 2.16
www.tenebrae-choir.com
3
15 I Sing of a Maiden Arnold Bax 4.19
16 No Small Wonder Paul Edwards 2.42
17 There Is No Rose Jonathan Lane 2.39
18 Come Rock His Cradle Richard Knight 4.27 Soloist: Stephen Kennedy baritone
19 I Sing of a Maiden Alec Redshaw 2.10
20 Balulalow John Gardner 2.37 Soloist: Katie Trethewey soprano
21 Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn Philip Radcliffe 2.01 Soloists: Grace Davidson soprano, Christopher Watson tenor
22 A Gallery Carol John Gardner 2.13
Total Timing 55.35
www.tenebrae-choir.com
the length and breadth of the country by eitherproviding beautiful music for choirs to sing or by devoting themselves in some way to choirs singing beautifully. Singing this collection of Christmas music was such a fun and rewarding experience and together with my wonderful team of singers who so positively embraced this project we would like to thank Richard Baker who so kindly supported this recording.
Nigel Short
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Introduction from Nigel Short
My love of Christmas music stems from my own experience as a chorister, singing all the traditional congregational carols, their descants, many new arrangements of well-known tunes and of course an ever increasing number of new compositions. At a lunch with one of Tenebrae Patrons, Richard Baker (himself a former chorister and choral scholar at King’s College, Cambridge), a discussion was taking place regarding repertoire for a future Tenebrae recording. Rather rashly I said that having already done two Christmas recordings, I wasn’t entirely sold on the notion of doing another one, but Richard began asking me if I knew this or that carol: the list seemed endless. I knew the names of many of the composers and arrangers he was mentioning, but some only as choir masters or organists, not as composers. Eventually we decided there was more than enough wonderful repertoire that would provide a musical breath of fresh air come Christmas time and also give us a chance to herald the extraordinary talents of some of the most dedicated and less well-known individuals from the world of English choral music in the 20th century, thus ‘A Very English Christmas’ came to be.
Love is always at the heart of the Christmas message and it became clear to all of us involved with this recording that all of the composers represented had/have a deep felt love for both their subject matter and the beautiful, transporting sound of a fi ne choir. After I had come to London to study in 1983, I started to meet and work for a variety of people, some of whose names when uttered in the company of anyone who has been involved with our glorious heritage of Cathedral and Church music were met with an almost reverential affection. One such was Simon Preston, for whom I have an enduring admiration and was fortunate enough to sing for in the choir of Westminster Abbey when I was just 20 years old. His music making was incredibly exhilarating and perhaps a little terrifying too, maybe that was part of the excitement! In more recent years we have sadly lost John Gardner, Philip Ledger and Richard Hickox. I had the pleasure of singing for Richard as a soloist on several occasions and was always struck by his convivial manner, whilst managing to make everyone realise they had to give him everything. Christopher Robinson was Director of Music at the other great shining beacon of choral music in Cambridge, St John’s College, and is another whose name will for ever be associated with English choral music at its very best. All the other names on the disc have played their part too in inspiring choirs
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the length and breadth of the country by eitherproviding beautiful music for choirs to sing or by devoting themselves in some way to choirs singing beautifully. Singing this collection of Christmas music was such a fun and rewarding experience and together with my wonderful team of singers who so positively embraced this project we would like to thank Richard Baker who so kindly supported this recording.
Nigel Short
5
Introduction from Nigel Short
My love of Christmas music stems from my own experience as a chorister, singing all the traditional congregational carols, their descants, many new arrangements of well-known tunes and of course an ever increasing number of new compositions. At a lunch with one of Tenebrae Patrons, Richard Baker (himself a former chorister and choral scholar at King’s College, Cambridge), a discussion was taking place regarding repertoire for a future Tenebrae recording. Rather rashly I said that having already done two Christmas recordings, I wasn’t entirely sold on the notion of doing another one, but Richard began asking me if I knew this or that carol: the list seemed endless. I knew the names of many of the composers and arrangers he was mentioning, but some only as choir masters or organists, not as composers. Eventually we decided there was more than enough wonderful repertoire that would provide a musical breath of fresh air come Christmas time and also give us a chance to herald the extraordinary talents of some of the most dedicated and less well-known individuals from the world of English choral music in the 20th century, thus ‘A Very English Christmas’ came to be.
Love is always at the heart of the Christmas message and it became clear to all of us involved with this recording that all of the composers represented had/have a deep felt love for both their subject matter and the beautiful, transporting sound of a fi ne choir. After I had come to London to study in 1983, I started to meet and work for a variety of people, some of whose names when uttered in the company of anyone who has been involved with our glorious heritage of Cathedral and Church music were met with an almost reverential affection. One such was Simon Preston, for whom I have an enduring admiration and was fortunate enough to sing for in the choir of Westminster Abbey when I was just 20 years old. His music making was incredibly exhilarating and perhaps a little terrifying too, maybe that was part of the excitement! In more recent years we have sadly lost John Gardner, Philip Ledger and Richard Hickox. I had the pleasure of singing for Richard as a soloist on several occasions and was always struck by his convivial manner, whilst managing to make everyone realise they had to give him everything. Christopher Robinson was Director of Music at the other great shining beacon of choral music in Cambridge, St John’s College, and is another whose name will for ever be associated with English choral music at its very best. All the other names on the disc have played their part too in inspiring choirs
4
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1. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston
I saw three ships come sailing inOn Christmas day, on Christmas day,I saw three ships come sailing inOn Christmas day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three?On Christmas day, on Christmas day,And what was in those ships all three?On Christmas day in the morning.
Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady,On Christmas day, on Christmas day,Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady,On Christmas day in the morning.
Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?On Christmas day, on Christmas day,Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?On Christmas day in the morning.
O, they sailed to Bethlehem,On Christmas day, on Christmas day,O, they sailed to Bethlehem,On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day in the morning.
Words: Anonymous, c.17th century
2. There Is No Rose Simon Preston 17. There Is No Rose Jonathan Lane
There is no rose of such virtueAs is the rose that bare Jesu; Alleluia.
For in this rose contained wasHeaven and earth in little space; Res miranda.
By that rose we may well seeThat he is God in persons three, Pares forma.
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The angels sungen the shepherds to:Gloria in excelsis deo: Gaudeamus.
Leave we all this worldly mirth,And follow we this joyful birth; Transeamus.
Alleluia, res miranda,Pares forma, gaudeamus, Transeamus.
Words: Anonymous, c.1420
3. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play,To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love.
Then was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fl eshly substance; Thus was I knit to man’s nature, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love ...
In a manger laid and wrapped I was, So very poor this was my chance,
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love ...
Then afterwards baptized I was; The Holy Ghost on me did glance, My Father’s voice heard from above, To call my true love to my dance. Sing O my love ...
Words: Anonymous
4. Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd
Love came down at Christmas,Love all lovely, Love Divine,Love was born at Christmas,Star and Angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,Love Incarnate, Love Divine,Worship we our Jesus,But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,Love shall be yours and love be mine,Love to God and all men,Love for plea and gift and sign.
Words: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
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1. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston
I saw three ships come sailing inOn Christmas day, on Christmas day,I saw three ships come sailing inOn Christmas day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three?On Christmas day, on Christmas day,And what was in those ships all three?On Christmas day in the morning.
Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady,On Christmas day, on Christmas day,Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady,On Christmas day in the morning.
Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?On Christmas day, on Christmas day,Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?On Christmas day in the morning.
O, they sailed to Bethlehem,On Christmas day, on Christmas day,O, they sailed to Bethlehem,On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day in the morning.
Words: Anonymous, c.17th century
2. There Is No Rose Simon Preston 17. There Is No Rose Jonathan Lane
There is no rose of such virtueAs is the rose that bare Jesu; Alleluia.
For in this rose contained wasHeaven and earth in little space; Res miranda.
By that rose we may well seeThat he is God in persons three, Pares forma.
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The angels sungen the shepherds to:Gloria in excelsis deo: Gaudeamus.
Leave we all this worldly mirth,And follow we this joyful birth; Transeamus.
Alleluia, res miranda,Pares forma, gaudeamus, Transeamus.
Words: Anonymous, c.1420
3. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play,To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love.
Then was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fl eshly substance; Thus was I knit to man’s nature, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love ...
In a manger laid and wrapped I was, So very poor this was my chance,
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love ...
Then afterwards baptized I was; The Holy Ghost on me did glance, My Father’s voice heard from above, To call my true love to my dance. Sing O my love ...
Words: Anonymous
4. Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd
Love came down at Christmas,Love all lovely, Love Divine,Love was born at Christmas,Star and Angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,Love Incarnate, Love Divine,Worship we our Jesus,But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,Love shall be yours and love be mine,Love to God and all men,Love for plea and gift and sign.
Words: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
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A dove settled down upon Nazareth,Tsucroo,And tenderly chanted with all his breath,Tsucroo:‘To you,’ he cooed, ‘so good and true,My beauty do I give to youTsucroo, Tsucroo, Tsucroo.’
Words: Percy Dearmer (1867-1936)
7. Benedicamus Domino Peter Warlock
Procedenti pueroEya, nobis annus est!Virginis ex uteroGloria! Laudes! Deus homo factus est et immortalis.
Sine viri semineEya, nobis annus est!Natus est de virgineGloria...
Sine viri copiaEya, nobis annus est!Natus est ex MariaGloria...
In hoc festo determinoEya, nobis annus est!Benedicamus Domino!Gloria...
A boy comes forth,Eya, this is our time,From the womb of a virgin.Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal.
Without the seed of a manEya, this is our time,He is born of a virgin.Glory! ...
Without the means of a man,Eya, this is our time,He is born of MaryGlory! ...
On this appointed feast,Eya, this is our time, Let us bless the Lord.Glory! ...
Words: Latin Mass
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5. Rejoice and Be Merry Christopher Robinson22. A Gallery Carol John Gardner
Rejoice and be merryin songs and in mirth!O praise our Redeemer;all mortals on earth!For this is the birthdayof Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
A heavenly visionAppeared in the sky;Vast numbers of angelsThe shepherds did spy,Proclaiming the birthday of Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
Likewise a bright starIn the sky did appear,Which led the wise menFrom the East to draw near;They found the Messiah,Sweet Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
And when they were come,they their treasures unfold,And unto him offeredMyrrh, incense and gold.So blessed for everBe Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
Words: Anonymous
6. The Birds Richard Hickox
From out of a wood did a cuckoo fl y, Cuckoo,He came to a manger with joyful cry, Cuckoo;He hopped, he curtsied, round he fl ew,And loud his jubilation grew, Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo.
A pigeon fl ew over to Galilee, Vrercroo,He strutted, and cooed, and was full of glee, Vrercroo,And showed with jewelled wings unfurled,His joy that Christ was in the world, Vrercroo, Vrercroo, Vrercroo.
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A dove settled down upon Nazareth,Tsucroo,And tenderly chanted with all his breath,Tsucroo:‘To you,’ he cooed, ‘so good and true,My beauty do I give to youTsucroo, Tsucroo, Tsucroo.’
Words: Percy Dearmer (1867-1936)
7. Benedicamus Domino Peter Warlock
Procedenti pueroEya, nobis annus est!Virginis ex uteroGloria! Laudes! Deus homo factus est et immortalis.
Sine viri semineEya, nobis annus est!Natus est de virgineGloria...
Sine viri copiaEya, nobis annus est!Natus est ex MariaGloria...
In hoc festo determinoEya, nobis annus est!Benedicamus Domino!Gloria...
A boy comes forth,Eya, this is our time,From the womb of a virgin.Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal.
Without the seed of a manEya, this is our time,He is born of a virgin.Glory! ...
Without the means of a man,Eya, this is our time,He is born of MaryGlory! ...
On this appointed feast,Eya, this is our time, Let us bless the Lord.Glory! ...
Words: Latin Mass
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5. Rejoice and Be Merry Christopher Robinson22. A Gallery Carol John Gardner
Rejoice and be merryin songs and in mirth!O praise our Redeemer;all mortals on earth!For this is the birthdayof Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
A heavenly visionAppeared in the sky;Vast numbers of angelsThe shepherds did spy,Proclaiming the birthday of Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
Likewise a bright starIn the sky did appear,Which led the wise menFrom the East to draw near;They found the Messiah,Sweet Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
And when they were come,they their treasures unfold,And unto him offeredMyrrh, incense and gold.So blessed for everBe Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation,His praises we’ll sing!
Words: Anonymous
6. The Birds Richard Hickox
From out of a wood did a cuckoo fl y, Cuckoo,He came to a manger with joyful cry, Cuckoo;He hopped, he curtsied, round he fl ew,And loud his jubilation grew, Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo.
A pigeon fl ew over to Galilee, Vrercroo,He strutted, and cooed, and was full of glee, Vrercroo,And showed with jewelled wings unfurled,His joy that Christ was in the world, Vrercroo, Vrercroo, Vrercroo.
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10. As Dew in Aprylle Peter Warlock
I syng of a maydenThat is makeles,King of alle kyngesTo here sone che ches.
He cam al so stylleTher his moder was,As dew in AprylleThat fallyt on the gras.
He cam al so stylleTo his moderes bowrAs dew in AprilleThat fallyt on the fl our.
He cam al so stylleTher his moder layAs dew in AprilleThat fallyt on the spray.
Moder and maydynWas never non but che;Wel may swych a ladyGodes moder be.
Words: Anonymous, Sloane Manuscript, c.1450
11. Balulalow Peter Warlock 20. Balulalow John Gardner
O my dear hert, young Jesus sweet, Prepare thy creddil in my spreit, And I sall rock thee in my hert And never mair from thee depert.
But I sall praise thee evermore With sangis sweet unto thy glor: The knees of my hert sall I bow, And sing that richt Balulalow.
Words: Attrib. James, John & Robert Wedderburn, c.1567
13. On Christmas Day Simon Preston
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy; Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly; Now beginning, and alway: Now begin, on Christmas day.
Moonless darkness stands between.Past, the Past, no more be seen! But the Bethlehem-star may lead meTo the sight of Him Who freed meFrom the self that I have been.
10
8. Adam lay ybounden Peter Warlock 12. Adam lay ybounden Philip Ledger
Adam lay ybounden,Bounden in a bond;Four thousand winter,Thought he not too long.
And all was for an apple,An apple that he took.As clerkes fi nden,Written in their book.
Ne had the apple taken been,The apple taken been,Ne had never our ladie,Abeen heav’ne queen.
Blessed be the timeThat apple taken was,Therefore we moun singen.Deo gratias!
Words: Anonymous, 15th Century
9. I Saw a Fair Maiden Peter Warlock
I saw a fair maiden sitten and sing,She lulled a little child, a sweetë lording.Lullay, mine liking, my dear son, my sweeting,Lullay, my dear heart, mine own dear darling.
That same lord is He that made allë thing,Of allë lordis He is lord, of allë kingës king.Lullay, mine liking ...
There was mickle melody at that child’ës birth,All that were in Heaven’s bliss they made mickle mirth.Lullay, mine liking ...
Angelys bright they sung that night and saiden to that child:‘Blessed be thou and so be she that is both meek and mild.’Lullay, mine liking ...
Pray we now to that Child, and to His mother dear,Grant them His blessing that now maken cheer,Lullay, mine liking ...
Words: Anonymous, 15th Century
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10. As Dew in Aprylle Peter Warlock
I syng of a maydenThat is makeles,King of alle kyngesTo here sone che ches.
He cam al so stylleTher his moder was,As dew in AprylleThat fallyt on the gras.
He cam al so stylleTo his moderes bowrAs dew in AprilleThat fallyt on the fl our.
He cam al so stylleTher his moder layAs dew in AprilleThat fallyt on the spray.
Moder and maydynWas never non but che;Wel may swych a ladyGodes moder be.
Words: Anonymous, Sloane Manuscript, c.1450
11. Balulalow Peter Warlock 20. Balulalow John Gardner
O my dear hert, young Jesus sweet, Prepare thy creddil in my spreit, And I sall rock thee in my hert And never mair from thee depert.
But I sall praise thee evermore With sangis sweet unto thy glor: The knees of my hert sall I bow, And sing that richt Balulalow.
Words: Attrib. James, John & Robert Wedderburn, c.1567
13. On Christmas Day Simon Preston
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy; Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly; Now beginning, and alway: Now begin, on Christmas day.
Moonless darkness stands between.Past, the Past, no more be seen! But the Bethlehem-star may lead meTo the sight of Him Who freed meFrom the self that I have been.
10
8. Adam lay ybounden Peter Warlock 12. Adam lay ybounden Philip Ledger
Adam lay ybounden,Bounden in a bond;Four thousand winter,Thought he not too long.
And all was for an apple,An apple that he took.As clerkes fi nden,Written in their book.
Ne had the apple taken been,The apple taken been,Ne had never our ladie,Abeen heav’ne queen.
Blessed be the timeThat apple taken was,Therefore we moun singen.Deo gratias!
Words: Anonymous, 15th Century
9. I Saw a Fair Maiden Peter Warlock
I saw a fair maiden sitten and sing,She lulled a little child, a sweetë lording.Lullay, mine liking, my dear son, my sweeting,Lullay, my dear heart, mine own dear darling.
That same lord is He that made allë thing,Of allë lordis He is lord, of allë kingës king.Lullay, mine liking ...
There was mickle melody at that child’ës birth,All that were in Heaven’s bliss they made mickle mirth.Lullay, mine liking ...
Angelys bright they sung that night and saiden to that child:‘Blessed be thou and so be she that is both meek and mild.’Lullay, mine liking ...
Pray we now to that Child, and to His mother dear,Grant them His blessing that now maken cheer,Lullay, mine liking ...
Words: Anonymous, 15th Century
13
Mother and maidenWas never none but she;Well may such a ladyGodës mother be.
Words: Anonymous, Sloane Manuscript, c.1450
16. No Small Wonder Paul Edwards
Small wonder the star. small wonder the light,the angels in chorus, the shepherds in fright;but stable and manger for God - no small wonder!
Small wonder the kings, small wonder they borethe gold and the incense, the myrrh to adore;but God gives his life on a cross - no small wonder!
Small wonder the love, small wonder the grace,the power, the glory, the light of his face;but all to redeem my poor heart – no small wonder! Words: Paul Wigmore (1925-2014)
18. Come Rock His Cradle Richard Knight
Come, rock His cradle lowly,The throne of God all-holy;Come worship and adore Him,And kneel we down before Him.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
And sing, for music-numberWill lull the Babe to slumber:Your strain be sweet and airy,Like that of blessed Mary.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
Do nothing to annoy Him,But everything to joy Him;For sin, by night or morrow,Would cause Him pain and sorrow.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
So at your hour of dying,This Babe, in cradle lying,For He is King supernalShall give you rest eternal.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
Words: Rev. George Ratcliffe Woodward (1843-1934)
12
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy; Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly; Now beginning, and alway: Now begin, on Christmas day.
Words: Gerard Manley Hopkins (1884-1889)
14. On Christmas Night Philip Ledger
On Christmas night all Christians sing,To hear the news the angels bring;On Christmas night all Christians sing,To hear the news the angels bring:News of great joy, news of great mirth,News of our merciful king’s birth.
Then why should men on earth be so sad,Since our Redeemer made us glad:Then why should men on earth be so sad,Since our Redeemer made us glad:When from our sin He set us free,All for to gain our liberty.
When sin departs before his grace,Then life and health come in its place;When sin departs before his grace,Then life and health come in its place;Angels and men with joy may sing,All for to see the newborn king.
All out of darkness we have lightWhich made the angels sing this night;All out of darkness we have lightWhich made the angels sing this night:Glory to God and peace to men,Now and forevermore. Amen.
Words: Anonymous
15. I Sing of a Maiden Arnold Bax 19. I Sing of a Maiden Alec Redshaw
I sing of a maidenThat is makeless;King of all kingsTo her son she ches.
He came all so stillWhere his mother was,As dew in AprilThat falleth on the grass.
He came all so stillTo his mother’s bower,As dew in AprilThat falleth on the fl ower.
He came all so stillWhere his mother lay,As dew in AprilThat falleth on the spray.
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Mother and maidenWas never none but she;Well may such a ladyGodës mother be.
Words: Anonymous, Sloane Manuscript, c.1450
16. No Small Wonder Paul Edwards
Small wonder the star. small wonder the light,the angels in chorus, the shepherds in fright;but stable and manger for God - no small wonder!
Small wonder the kings, small wonder they borethe gold and the incense, the myrrh to adore;but God gives his life on a cross - no small wonder!
Small wonder the love, small wonder the grace,the power, the glory, the light of his face;but all to redeem my poor heart – no small wonder! Words: Paul Wigmore (1925-2014)
18. Come Rock His Cradle Richard Knight
Come, rock His cradle lowly,The throne of God all-holy;Come worship and adore Him,And kneel we down before Him.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
And sing, for music-numberWill lull the Babe to slumber:Your strain be sweet and airy,Like that of blessed Mary.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
Do nothing to annoy Him,But everything to joy Him;For sin, by night or morrow,Would cause Him pain and sorrow.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
So at your hour of dying,This Babe, in cradle lying,For He is King supernalShall give you rest eternal.Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
Words: Rev. George Ratcliffe Woodward (1843-1934)
12
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy; Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly; Now beginning, and alway: Now begin, on Christmas day.
Words: Gerard Manley Hopkins (1884-1889)
14. On Christmas Night Philip Ledger
On Christmas night all Christians sing,To hear the news the angels bring;On Christmas night all Christians sing,To hear the news the angels bring:News of great joy, news of great mirth,News of our merciful king’s birth.
Then why should men on earth be so sad,Since our Redeemer made us glad:Then why should men on earth be so sad,Since our Redeemer made us glad:When from our sin He set us free,All for to gain our liberty.
When sin departs before his grace,Then life and health come in its place;When sin departs before his grace,Then life and health come in its place;Angels and men with joy may sing,All for to see the newborn king.
All out of darkness we have lightWhich made the angels sing this night;All out of darkness we have lightWhich made the angels sing this night:Glory to God and peace to men,Now and forevermore. Amen.
Words: Anonymous
15. I Sing of a Maiden Arnold Bax 19. I Sing of a Maiden Alec Redshaw
I sing of a maidenThat is makeless;King of all kingsTo her son she ches.
He came all so stillWhere his mother was,As dew in AprilThat falleth on the grass.
He came all so stillTo his mother’s bower,As dew in AprilThat falleth on the fl ower.
He came all so stillWhere his mother lay,As dew in AprilThat falleth on the spray.
14
21. Mary Walked Through a Wood of ThornPhilip Radcliffe
Mary walked through a wood of thornKyrie eleison.Mary walked through a wood of thorn,Which seven long years no leaf had borne;Jesus and Mary.
What bare Mary beneath her heart?Kyrie eleison.A little child without any smartMary bare beneath her heart,Jesus and Mary.
Then roses sprang from out the thorn;Kyrie eleison.As the Christ child through the wood was born,Roses sprang from out the thorn;Jesus and Mary.
Words: Anonymous, Old German translated by E. Herborn
15
TENEBRAE
Described as “phenomenal” (The Times) and “devastatingly beautiful” (Gramophone Magazine), award-winning choir Tenebrae, under the direction of Nigel Short, is one of the world’s fi nest vocal ensembles renowned for its passion and precision.
As the fi rst-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated in the same category for the BBC Music Magazine Awards (2012), Tenebrae’s recording of Victoria’s Requiem Mass, 1605 secured the accolade for Best Choral Performance. The choir’s recording of Fauré’s Requiem with the London Symphony Orchestra was nominated for the Gramophone Awards (2013), having been described as “the very best Fauré Requiem on disc”, so too was Mother of Child (2003) for Choral Disc of the Year featuring sacred music by living British composers. Tenebrae’s ever-increasing discography has brought about collaborations with Signum, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI Classics, LSO Live and Warner Classics, with the choir’s recent recording of Russian Orthodox music being launched on its own label, Bene Arte, receiving glowing reviews and reaching number 1 on the UK Classical Chart.
Tenebrae is dedicated to supporting contemporary composers having worked with Judith Bingham, Alexander Levine, Paul Mealor, Joby Talbot, Hilary Tann, John Tavener and Will Todd, in addition to upcoming releases with Ola Gjeilo and Alexander L’Estrange. Furthermore, the choir is renowned for its highly-acclaimed interpretations of the choral canon with repertoire ranging from the hauntingly passionate works of Gesualdo and Victoria to the beautiful choral masterpieces of Poulenc and Tavener. Alongside ‘A Very English Christmas’, 2015 also sees Tenebrae release a disc of Brahms and Bruckner motets in benefi t of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Tenebrae has performed at some of the world’s most renowned festivals including the BBC Proms, City of London Festival, Edinburgh International Festival (UK) and Montreux Choral Festival (Switzerland). In 2015 the choir will perform across the UK in Guildford, Hexham, Lammermuir, London, Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Sherborne, Stour and Thaxted, as well as engagements throughout Europe and a USA tour in the autumn.
‘Passion and Precision’ is Tenebrae’s motto, and through its continued dedication to performance of the highest quality, audiences around the world experience the power and intimacy of the human voice.
14
21. Mary Walked Through a Wood of ThornPhilip Radcliffe
Mary walked through a wood of thornKyrie eleison.Mary walked through a wood of thorn,Which seven long years no leaf had borne;Jesus and Mary.
What bare Mary beneath her heart?Kyrie eleison.A little child without any smartMary bare beneath her heart,Jesus and Mary.
Then roses sprang from out the thorn;Kyrie eleison.As the Christ child through the wood was born,Roses sprang from out the thorn;Jesus and Mary.
Words: Anonymous, Old German translated by E. Herborn
15
TENEBRAE
Described as “phenomenal” (The Times) and “devastatingly beautiful” (Gramophone Magazine), award-winning choir Tenebrae, under the direction of Nigel Short, is one of the world’s fi nest vocal ensembles renowned for its passion and precision.
As the fi rst-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated in the same category for the BBC Music Magazine Awards (2012), Tenebrae’s recording of Victoria’s Requiem Mass, 1605 secured the accolade for Best Choral Performance. The choir’s recording of Fauré’s Requiem with the London Symphony Orchestra was nominated for the Gramophone Awards (2013), having been described as “the very best Fauré Requiem on disc”, so too was Mother of Child (2003) for Choral Disc of the Year featuring sacred music by living British composers. Tenebrae’s ever-increasing discography has brought about collaborations with Signum, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI Classics, LSO Live and Warner Classics, with the choir’s recent recording of Russian Orthodox music being launched on its own label, Bene Arte, receiving glowing reviews and reaching number 1 on the UK Classical Chart.
Tenebrae is dedicated to supporting contemporary composers having worked with Judith Bingham, Alexander Levine, Paul Mealor, Joby Talbot, Hilary Tann, John Tavener and Will Todd, in addition to upcoming releases with Ola Gjeilo and Alexander L’Estrange. Furthermore, the choir is renowned for its highly-acclaimed interpretations of the choral canon with repertoire ranging from the hauntingly passionate works of Gesualdo and Victoria to the beautiful choral masterpieces of Poulenc and Tavener. Alongside ‘A Very English Christmas’, 2015 also sees Tenebrae release a disc of Brahms and Bruckner motets in benefi t of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Tenebrae has performed at some of the world’s most renowned festivals including the BBC Proms, City of London Festival, Edinburgh International Festival (UK) and Montreux Choral Festival (Switzerland). In 2015 the choir will perform across the UK in Guildford, Hexham, Lammermuir, London, Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Sherborne, Stour and Thaxted, as well as engagements throughout Europe and a USA tour in the autumn.
‘Passion and Precision’ is Tenebrae’s motto, and through its continued dedication to performance of the highest quality, audiences around the world experience the power and intimacy of the human voice.
16 17
NIGEL SHORT
Award-winning conductor Nigel Short has built up an enviable reputation for his recording and live performance work with leading orchestras and ensembles across the world.
A singer of great acclaim, Nigel was a member of the world-renowned vocal ensemble The King’s Singers from 1994–2000. Upon leaving the group, he formed Tenebrae, a virtuosic choir that embraced his dedication to passion and precision. Tenebrae is the fi rst-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated in the same category for the BBC Music Magazine Awards (2012), securing the accolade of Best Choral Performance for the choir’s recording of Victoria’s Requiem Mass, 1605. Under his direction, Tenebrae has enjoyed collaborations with orchestras and instrumentalists of various musical genres and now enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s fi nest choral ensembles.
To date, Nigel has conducted the Aurora Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, English Chamber Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble and, for Baroque repertoire, The English Concert. He has directed the London Symphony Orchestra with Tenebrae in a live recording of Fauré’s Requiem, which was nominated for the Gramophone
Awards (2013) having been described as “devastatingly beautiful... the very best Fauré Requiem on disc”. Since then, he has conducted the orchestra alongside Tenebrae for a sold-out performance in St. Paul’s Cathedral as part of the City of London Festival (UK). Other orchestral recordings include Mozart’s Requiem and Ave Verum Corpus with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and two discs of music by Will Todd with the English Chamber Orchestra.
Nigel has conducted recordings for many of the world’s major record labels including Decca Records, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI Classics, LSO Live, Signum and Warner Classics.
16 17
NIGEL SHORT
Award-winning conductor Nigel Short has built up an enviable reputation for his recording and live performance work with leading orchestras and ensembles across the world.
A singer of great acclaim, Nigel was a member of the world-renowned vocal ensemble The King’s Singers from 1994–2000. Upon leaving the group, he formed Tenebrae, a virtuosic choir that embraced his dedication to passion and precision. Tenebrae is the fi rst-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated in the same category for the BBC Music Magazine Awards (2012), securing the accolade of Best Choral Performance for the choir’s recording of Victoria’s Requiem Mass, 1605. Under his direction, Tenebrae has enjoyed collaborations with orchestras and instrumentalists of various musical genres and now enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s fi nest choral ensembles.
To date, Nigel has conducted the Aurora Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, English Chamber Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble and, for Baroque repertoire, The English Concert. He has directed the London Symphony Orchestra with Tenebrae in a live recording of Fauré’s Requiem, which was nominated for the Gramophone
Awards (2013) having been described as “devastatingly beautiful... the very best Fauré Requiem on disc”. Since then, he has conducted the orchestra alongside Tenebrae for a sold-out performance in St. Paul’s Cathedral as part of the City of London Festival (UK). Other orchestral recordings include Mozart’s Requiem and Ave Verum Corpus with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and two discs of music by Will Todd with the English Chamber Orchestra.
Nigel has conducted recordings for many of the world’s major record labels including Decca Records, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI Classics, LSO Live, Signum and Warner Classics.
18
James Sherlock, Organ - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
A – Performs on all works except for tracks 4, 12, 17, 19, 21
B – Performs on tracks 4, 5, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21
C - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
D - Performs on tracks 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
19
Recorded at the Church of St Augustine, Kilburn on 21-22 January 2015 Producer: Nicholas Parker
Balance Engineer: Andrew Mellor Assisted by: George Pierson
Edited and Mastered: Andrew Mellor
Special thanks to those who have contributed to the creation of this recording: Richard Baker
Design and Artwork: Woven Design www.wovendesign.co.uk
Photography: Chris O’Donovanwww.chrisodonovan.com
© 2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.P 2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.
ARTISTIC DIRECTORNigel Short SOPRANOGrace DavidsonJoanna Forbes L’Estrange Emilia Morton A
Katie Trethewey
ALTOHannah Cooke A
Martha McLorinan Eleanor Minney
TENORBenjamin Alden A
Nicholas MaddenChristopher Watson
BASSGeoff Clapham A
James Holliday B Greg Skidmore C Simon Whiteley D
Stephen Kennedy Richard Savage A
18
James Sherlock, Organ - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
A – Performs on all works except for tracks 4, 12, 17, 19, 21
B – Performs on tracks 4, 5, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21
C - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
D - Performs on tracks 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
19
Recorded at the Church of St Augustine, Kilburn on 21-22 January 2015 Producer: Nicholas Parker
Balance Engineer: Andrew Mellor Assisted by: George Pierson
Edited and Mastered: Andrew Mellor
Special thanks to those who have contributed to the creation of this recording: Richard Baker
Design and Artwork: Woven Design www.wovendesign.co.uk
Photography: Chris O’Donovanwww.chrisodonovan.com
© 2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.P 2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.
ARTISTIC DIRECTORNigel Short SOPRANOGrace DavidsonJoanna Forbes L’Estrange Emilia Morton A
Katie Trethewey
ALTOHannah Cooke A
Martha McLorinan Eleanor Minney
TENORBenjamin Alden A
Nicholas MaddenChristopher Watson
BASSGeoff Clapham A
James Holliday B Greg Skidmore C Simon Whiteley D
Stephen Kennedy Richard Savage A
Russian TreasuresBene Arte SIGCD900 (2014)
“Tenebrae is current master of the Russian Sound” Classic FM
Medieval Chant, Tallis LamentationsBene Arte SIGCD901
“... the performance of Tallis’s Lamentations is majestically dark and intense, displaying this group’s famous sensitivity toward musical structure, as well as their exquisite harmonic control”BBC Music Magazine
www.tenebrae-choir.com
Tenebrae Nigel Short
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Customer: TenebraeCatalogue No.SIGCD902Job Title: A Very English Christmas
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A Very English Christmas
© 2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.P 2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.Made in the EU / SIGCD902www.tenebrae-choir.com
1 I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston 2.052 There Is No Rose Simon Preston 2.543 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner 2.314 Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd 2.325 Rejoice and Be Merry Christopher Robinson 1.556 The Birds Richard Hickox 1.557 Benedicamus Domino Peter Warlock 1.218 Adam lay ybounden Peter Warlock 1.209 I Saw a Fair Maiden Peter Warlock 3.4710 Balulalow Peter Warlock 2.0511 As Dew in Aprylle Peter Warlock 1.5212 Adam lay ybounden Philip Ledger 2.0113 On Christmas Day Simon Preston 3.4914 On Christmas Night Philip Ledger 2.1615 I Sing of a Maiden Arnold Bax 4.1916 No Small Wonder Paul Edwards 2.4217 There Is No Rose Jonathan Lane 2.3918 Come Rock His Cradle Richard Knight 4.2719 I Sing of a Maiden Alec Redshaw 2.1020 Balulalow John Gardner 2.3721 Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn Philip Radcliffe 2.0122 A Gallery Carol John Gardner 2.13
Total Timing 55.35