ADESTE FIDELES CHRISTMAS CAROLS FROM HER MAJESTY’S CHAPEL ROYAL

t The Little Road to Bethlehem Michael Head [2.41] y 1 Sans Day Carol * English Traditional, Arr. John Rutter [3.13] Ding Dong! Merrily on High French Traditional, Harm. Charles Wood [1.47] u 2 Mary Had a Baby American Spiritual, Arr. Malcolm Sargent [1.58] A New Year Carol * Benjamin Britten [2.06] i 3 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Elizabeth Poston [2.42] Blessed Jesu! Here We Stand Richard Popplewell [2.39] Soloists: Peter Heywood, Cedric Amamoo, Jayden Tejuoso, Matthew Davies Soloists: Harry Fetherstonhaugh, Maciek O’Shea o 4 Once in Royal David’s City * Henry John Gauntlett, Harm. Arthur Henry Mann, [4.30] Ave Maria Igor Stravinksy [1.49] Soloist: Oliver Davies Descant David Willcocks p Adeste Fideles * John Francis Wade, Descant David Willcocks [2.39] 5 Sussex Carol * English Traditional, Arr. David Willcocks [1.46] a Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar Peter Cornelius, Arr. Ivor Atkins [2.46] 6 The Lamb John Tavener [2.50] Soloist: Maciek O’Shea s 7 A Maiden Most Gentle * French Melody, Arr. Andrew Carter [3.01] De Virgin Mary American Spiritual, Arr. Malcolm Sargent [2.20] d 8 Hosanna to the Son of David Thomas Weelkes [1.49] The Holly and the Ivy * John Gardner [2.25] f 9 The Three Kings Jonathan Dove [4.40] A Spotless Rose Herbert Howells [3.07] Soloists: Harry Fetherstonhaugh, Michael Clayton-Jolly Soloist: Maciek O’Shea g 0 A Spanish Carol Spanish Traditional, Arr. Andrew Carter [1.59] Hark the Herald Angels Sing! * Felix Mendelssohn, Descant David Willcocks [3.02] Soloist: Michael Clayton-Jolly h We Wish You a Merry Christmas English Traditional, Arr. Andrew Gant [1.39] q Suo Gân * Welsh Traditional, Arr. George Guest [3.08] Soloist: Cedric Amamoo Total timings: [72.19] w When Jesus Our Lord * Felix Mendelssohn [6.37] Soloist: Matthew Davies Trio: Johnny Langridge, Andrew Tipple, Maciek O’Shea e O Little Town of Bethlehem * English Traditional, Harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams [3.22] Descant Thomas Armstrong CHOIR OF HER MAJESTY’S CHAPEL ROYAL MARTYN NOBLE SUB-ORGANIST * r I Saw Three Ships English Traditional, Arr. David Willcocks [1.39] HUW WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Soloists: Peter Heywood, Johnny Langridge, Cedric Amamoo, Jerome Finnis, Jayden Tejuoso www.signumrecords.com INTRODUCTION ADESTE FIDELES brother James, both as Duke of York and later from 1685 as King, together with his Consort, This is a colourful and diverse selection of The emergence of a version of the Adeste Mary of Modena, at the Queen’s Chapel. MS carols with music from the Sixteenth Century Fideles in a manuscript from the Harmsworth Catherina R, 16712 details payment “to the to the present day. There are several pieces Library auctioned as Lot 1958 in 1946, with Syndick of our Fathers Arabadoes, to be spent with close Chapel Royal or Royal Family its internal royal prayer for “Regem nostrum for them the manner we have commanded 1000 connections: Thomas Weelkes was a Gentleman Jacobum” immediately preceding the Adeste l. Eleven Franciscan Friars”, and the Angliae of the Chapel Royal in the Sixteenth Century. Fideles, places the latter’s origins over fifty Notitiae of 1684 continues to make mention of Andrew Gant and Richard Popplewell were years earlier than the hitherto earliest copies them at Court. The 15th-century founder of the Organists, Choirmaster and Composers of the dated around 1740-60 bearing the name Order, Peter Garavita, influenced St Teresa Chapel Royal between 2000-2013 and 1979- William Francis Wade. Lot 1958 may refer to of Avila and was eventually canonized as St 2000 respectively. Felix Mendelssohn was a King James II rather than his son James Francis Peter of Alcantara in 1669 while members of close friend of Queen Victoria and Prince Edward who tried unsuccessfully to regain his the Order were serving at The Queen’s Chapel. Albert and was the music teacher for the Royal father’s Crown, and if so dates MS Lot 1958 It would have been a cause for much children. Recent evidence suggests that Adeste to between 1685 and 1688 (unless continuing celebration – and perhaps the occasion for a Fideles (O come all ye faithful) was written in the Jacobite stance of recognizing King James new musical composition ?! We should perhaps Latin for The Queen’s Chapel at St James’s II in exile nevertheless as rightful King after picture the origin and first rendition of the Palace (now part of the Chapel Royal). The 1688 until his death in 1701), and would Adeste Fideles amongst a group of friars each selection of music is from seven different place Wade as a later copyist rather than wearing a brown habit, hood and capuce with a countries (including Russia, Wales and Spain!). the composer. If this is so then the early seven decade rosary, a cord girdle, and sandals, Contemporary composers include Jonathan nomenclature of the Adeste Fideles as “The singing in The Queen’s Chapel. Dove, Andrew Gant, Andrew Carter, John Rutter, Portuguese Hymn” would stem from its Richard Popplewell and the recently late Sir composition by Arabadoes (Friars of the David Baldwin David Willcocks. Observance of the Order of St Peter of Serjeant of the Vestry Alcantara), who were summoned from Portugal Huw Williams in 1667 by Catherine of Braganza to live in Director of Music, Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace the Friary serving The Queen’s Chapel at St James’s Palace, and ended up serving both this Consort of King Charles II and also his

- 4 - - 5 - PROGRAMME NOTES in 1848 and set to music a year later by Henry Thomas Weelkes’ glorious full anthem Hosanna (anonymous) first appeared in print in about John Gauntlett. Since 1919 this carol has to the Son of David is based on a paraphrase 1800, while the words were written down by The Sans Day Carol – a variant of The Holly and opened the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of verses from the Gospels of Matthew and the folklorist Robert Bryan (1858-1920). George the Ivy - was first transcribed from the singing from King’s College Cambridge. Luke. Weelkes gained a reputation for drunkenness Guest’s arrangement was published as part of Thomas Beard, who lived in the Cornish and was eventually dismissed from his position of Two Advent Carols and a Lullaby. The song village of St. Day (named after a Breton saint). The now-familiar tune of The Sussex Carol of organist at Chichester Cathedral. His final book featured prominently in Spielberg’s 1987 film Its publication in the Oxford Book of Carols in the (On Christmas Night all Christians Sing) was of madrigals has on its title page “Gentleman Empire of the Sun. 1920’s led to its universal popularity. John Rutter discovered and notated by Ralph Vaughan of the Chapel Royal”, though as no records arranged his version while still an undergraduate. Williams when he heard it sung by Harriet exist it seems that he was at best a Gentleman Mendelssohn’s There shall a star from Jacob Verrall of Monk’s Gate, near Horsham (hence Extraordinary – i. e. unpaid supernumerary. come forth is from his unfinished oratorio Mary had a baby (sung here in Malcolm the “Sussex” of the title). The text dates back to Christus, of which he completed only thirteen Sargent’s arrangement) is believed to have 1684 when it was published by the Irish bishop Jonathan Dove (born 1959) set Dorothy L. movements in 1846, while he was working originated on St Helena Island, off the coast Luke Wadding. Vaughan Williams included Sayers’ The Three Kings in 2000 in response to on Elijah. This title Christus was attached by of South Carolina. It was collected by the The Sussex Carol in his Fantasia on a commission from King’s College Cambridge Mendelssohn’s brother Paul after the composer’s Sierra Leonean scholar and researcher of West Christmas Carols, but the arrangement sung for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. death, but it is believed that Felix originally African music Nicholas G. J. Ballanta-Taylor. here is by David Willcocks. The three stanzas represent young, middle-aged planned this music for a work to be entitled and old kings respectively, with a surprising Erde, Himmel und Hölle (Earth, Heaven and Hell). Elizabeth Poston (1905-87) composed her John Tavener (1944-2013) composed his setting change to the major key for the old king’s golden beautiful version of Jesus Christ the apple of William Blake’s poem The Lamb (from Songs treasures (“many a gaud and glittering toy”). The text of O little town of Bethlehem was tree in 1967. The best-known previous setting of Innocence and of Experience) in 1982 for written by Phillips Brooks, a Philadelphia of this anonymous 18th-century poem is by his nephew Simon’s third birthday. Quietly An extrovert, celebratory contrast to its lullaby rector who was inspired by his visit to Bethlehem Jeremiah Ingalls (1764-1838). Ms Poston haunting, it has become one of the most companion-piece, A Spanish Carol is one of a in 1865. He wrote the poem for his church composed much choral and vocal music as popular of modern choral works. pair of traditional carols arranged by Andrew three years later and the melody was added by well as instrumental works (some for unusual Carter, several of whose carol compositions or his organist Lewis Redner. However, the combinations) and many scores for TV and For his setting of A maiden most gentle Andrew arrangements are among the most frequently best-known setting in the UK is the English radio productions. Carter (born 1939) paraphrased the original performed today. hymn-tune known as Forest Green, adapted by words by the Venerable Bede, added an attractive Vaughan Williams from an English folk ballad Once in Royal David’s City, with text by organ part to a traditional French melody, and Suo Gân is a traditional Welsh lullaby, its title called The Ploughboy’s Dream. Cecil Frances Alexander, was first published incorporated a wide variety of textures. literally meaning lulling song or lullaby. Its tune

- 6 - - 7 - What is believed to be the earliest version of I version from the anthology Tom Tiddler’s John IV of Portugal (1604-56) - “The Musician natural changes of metre and an inspired saw three ships derives from 17th-century Ground. It appears as the fifth song of a King”, who amassed one of the largest musical ending of which composer Patrick Hadley Derbyshire. Various explanations of the line collection of twelve entitled Friday Afternoons, libraries in the world. wrote: “I should like, when my time comes, to “O they sailed into Bethlehem” - twenty Opus 7 (1934), composed for the boys of pass away with that magical cadence.” miles from the Dead Sea - have been offered, Clive House School, Prestatyn, where Britten’s The Epiphany anthem The Three Kings is the but none is particularly convincing. David brother Robert was headmaster. most widely popular work by German-born Charles Wesley’s text of what we know as Hark! Willcocks’ version is one of many of his Peter Cornelius (1824-74), although his opera The Herald Angels Sing first appeared in arrangements which appear in the five volumes Richard Popplewell (born 1935) preceded The Barber of Baghdad is occasionally staged. 1739 in the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems. of Carols for Choirs. Andrew Gant as Organist and Master of the In The Three Kings, originally part of a song- Originally the first line had different words Children of the Chapel Royal, from 1979 to cycle entitled Christmas Songs, the solo voice and Wesley intended the tune to be the same as Michael Head (1900-76) is chiefly known for 2000. His Blessed Jesu! Here we Stand, sung sings Cornelius’ melody above a chorale tune his Christ the Lord is Risen Today. The his songs – over a hundred of them, notable at Prince George’s christening on 23rd October by Philipp Nicolai. now-familiar music originated in a Mendelssohn for their integrity within a conservative style. 2013, was originally composed for the Duke cantata (celebrating Gutenburg’s invention of Among the most popular is The Little Road of Cambridge’s own baptism on 4th August 1982. De Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, the second the printing press) but in 1815 it was adapted to Bethlehem, with touching words by of Two Christmas Spirituals which Malcolm by William H. Cummings to fit Wesley’s words. Margaret Rose. While in Paris in 1934 among the large Sargent arranged, comes from Trinidad and Russian emigré community, Stravinsky, having Tobago and was popularised by the West Indian- We wish you a Merry Christmas is a traditional The tune of Ding, Dong! Merrily on High first spiritually reconnected with the Russian born singer and actor Edric Connor. West Country carol which may have originated appeared in Orchésographie, a dance-book by Orthodox Church in which he was raised, in the 16th century. What is certain is its Jehan Tabourot (1519-95) – anagrammatical composed a setting of Ave Maria. In 1949 he The jaunty arrangement of The Holly and the connection with the tradition of wealthy pen name Thoinot Arbeau. George Ratcliffe reissued this miniature with the original Church Ivy by John Gardner (1917-2011) is the second people giving treats to carollers on Christmas Woodward’s lyrics were first published in 1924 Slavonic text translated into Latin, as sung here. of his Three Carols, Opus 58, composed in 1963 Eve. Andrew Gant, organist, choirmaster and in his Cambridge Carol-Book. Charles Wood, for St Paul’s Girls’ School, where he served as composer of the Chapel Royal from 2000 to teacher of Vaughan Williams and Herbert The music of Adeste fideles was long attributed Director of Music from 1962. 2013, skilfully incorporates other carol tunes Howells, arranged the version sung here. to John Francis Wade, but an earlier manuscript in his exuberant arrangement. version appeared in 1946, relegating Wade to Herbert Howells (1892-1983) composed A In A New Year Carol Benjamin Britten set probable copyist rather than composer. Among Spotless Rose as the second of his Three © Philip Borg-Wheeler the Pembrokeshire folk-song Levy-Dew (also the various other composers to whom the Carol-Anthems (1918-20). His setting of this known as Residue) in Walter de la Mare’s tune has been speculatively attributed is King anonymous 15th-century poem has completely

- 8 - - 9 - 1 Sans Day Carol 2 Mary Had a Baby 3 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree 4 Once in Royal David‘s City

Now the holly bears a berry Mary had a baby, yes Lord. The tree of life my soul hath seen, Once in royal David‘s city, As white as the milk, Mary had a baby, yes my Lord. Laden with fruit and always green: Stood a lowly cattle shed, And Mary bore Jesus, Mary had a baby, yes Lord. The trees of nature fruitless be Where a mother laid her Baby, Who was wrapped up in silk: De people keep a-comin’ an’ de train done gone. Compared with Christ the apple tree. In a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, And Mary bore Jesus Christ Stars keep a shining, yes Lord. His beauty doth all things excel: Jesus Christ, her little Child. Our Saviour to be, Movin’ in de elements, yes my Lord. By faith I know, but ne’er can tell And the first tree in the greenwood, Stood above de stable, yes Lord. The glory which I now can see He came down to earth from heaven, It was the holly! De people keep a-comin’ an’ de train done gone. In Jesus Christ the apple tree. Who is God and Lord of all, Mary had a baby ... And his shelter was a stable, Now the holly bears a berry For happiness I long have sought, And his cradle was a stall; As green as the grass, Where did she lay him? Yes Lord. And pleasure dearly I have bought: With the poor, and mean, and lowly, And Mary bore Jesus, Laid ‘im in de manger? Yes my Lord. I missed of all; but now I see Lived on earth our Saviour holy. Who died on the Cross: Wrapped ‘im in de swaddlin? Yes Lord. ‘Tis found in Christ the apple tree. And Mary bore Jesus Christ ... De people keep a-comin’ an’ de train done gone. And through all His wondrous childhood Now the holly bears a berry Mary had a baby ... I’m weary with my former toil, He would honour and obey, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Love, and watch the lowly maiden, As black as the coal, And Mary bore Jesus, What did she name Him? Yes Lord. Under the shadow I will be, In whose gentle arms he lay; Who died for us all: Named him King Jesus, yes my Lord. Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. Christian children all must be And Mary bore Jesus Christ ... Wonderful Counselor, yes Lord. Mild, obedient, good as he. De people keep a-comin’ an’ de train done gone. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, Now the holly bears a berry Mary had a baby ... It keeps my dying faith alive; For he is our childhood’s pattern, As blood is it red, Which makes my soul in haste to be Day by day like us he grew; Then trust we our Saviour, American spiritual With Jesus Christ the apple tree. He was little, weak and helpless, Who rose from the dead: Tears and smiles like us he knew; And Mary bore Jesus Christ ... Anonymous 18th Century And he feeleth for our sadness, And he shareth in our gladness. Traditional English - 10 - - 11 - And our eyes at last shall see him, When sin departs before his grace, For He calls Himself a Lamb. Rejoice and be glad at this Christmas we pray; Through his own redeeming love, Then life and health come in its place; He is meek, and He is mild; Sing praise to the Saviour, sing endless ‘Ave’. For that child so dear and gentle Angels and men with joy may sing, He became a little child. Ave Maria. Is our Lord in heaven above; All for to see the new-born king. I a child, and thou a lamb, And he leads his children on We are called by His name. Andrew Carter paraphrased from The Venerable Bede (673-735) To the place where he is gone. All out of darkness we have light, Little Lamb, God bless thee! Which made the angels sing this night: Little Lamb, God bless thee! 8 Hosanna to the Son of David Not in that poor lowly stable, Glory to God and peace to men, With the oxen standing by, Now and for evermore. Amen. William Blake (1757-1827) Hosanna to the Son of David. We shall see him; but in heaven, Blessed be the king that cometh in the name of Set at God’s right hand on high; Traditional English 7 A Maiden Most Gentle the Lord. Hosanna. When like stars his children crowned Thou that sittest in the highest heavens. All in white shall wait around. 6 The Lamb A maiden most gentle and tender we sing; Hosanna in excelsis Deo. O Mary the mother of Jesus our King. Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895) Little Lamb, who made thee? Ave Maria. Adapted from Matthew 21: 9 & Luke 19 Dost thou know who made thee? 5 Sussex Carol Gave thee life, and bid thee feed, How blessed is the birth of her heavenly child, 9 The Three Kings By the stream and o’er the mead; Who came to redeem us in Mary so mild. On Christmas night all Christians sing, Gave thee clothing of delight, Ave Maria. The first king was very young, To hear the news the angels bring, Softest clothing, woolly, bright; With doleful ballads on his tongue News of great joy, news of great mirth, Gave thee such a tender voice, The Archangel Gabriel foretold by his call He came bearing a branch of myrrh News of our merciful King’s birth. Making all the vales rejoice? The Lord of Creation, and Saviour of all. Than which no gall is bitterer, Little Lamb, who made thee? Ave Maria. Then why should men on earth be so sad, Dost thou know who made thee? O balow, balow la lay, Since our redeemer made us glad, Dost thou know who made thee? Three kings came to worship with gifts Gifts for a baby King, O. When from our sin he set us free, rich and rare, All for to gain our liberty? Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee, And marvelled in awe at the babe in her care. The second king was a man in prime, Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee. Ave Maria. The solemn priest of a solemn time, He is called by thy name,

- 12 - - 13 - With eyes downcast and rev’rent feet Alerí, alería ... Huna‘n dawel, heno, huna, Sleep quietly, tonight, sleep; He brought his incense sad and sweet, Huna‘n fwyn, y tlws ei lun; Sleep sweetly, the prettiest picture; Tonight a babe is born Pam yr wyt yn awr yn gwenu, Why are you now smiling, O balow, balow la lay, Amid the ice and snow. Gwenu‘n dirion yn dy hun? Smiling softly in your sleep? Gifts for a baby King, O. My baby, if only I could Wrap you in velvet. Ai angylion fry sy‘n gwenu, Are angels above smiling The third king was very old, Arnat ti yn gwenu‘n llon, On you, smiling joyfully, Both his hands were full of gold, Alerí, alería, how delightful! Tithau‘n gwenu‘n ôl dan huno, You smiling back in sleep, Many a gaud and a glittering toy, Tonight a babe is born Huno‘n dawel ar fy mron Quiet sleep on my breast? Gifts for a baby King. In a stable in Bethlehem. Paid ag ofni, dim ond deilen Do not fear, nothing but a leaf Dorothy L Sayers (1893-1957), originally published in Op. 1 by The Virgin is washing him Gura, gura ar y ddôr; Knocks, knocks on the door; Blackwell. Reprinted with permission. With a bit of soap. Paid ag ofni, ton fach unig Do not fear, a small lonely wave Her hands are chapped, Sua, sua ar lan y môr; Murmurs, murmurs on the seashore. 0 A Spanish Carol Hands of my heart. Huna blentyn, nid oes yma Sleep child, there’s nothing here Alerí, alería ... Esta noche nace un Niño Ddim i roddi iti fraw; Nothing to give you a fright; Entre la escarcha y el hielo. Gwena’n dawel yn fy mynwes Smile quietly on my bosom q Suo Gân Quien pudiera, Niño mio, Ar yr engyl gwynion draw. At yonder angels white. Vestirte de terciopelo. Huna blentyn ar fy mynwes Sleep child on my bosom Welsh traditional Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon; Alerí, alería, que placer! Cosy and warm it is; Breichiau mam sy‘n dynn amdanat, Esta noche nace un Niño Mother’s arms are tight around you, w When Jesus Our Lord Cariad mam sy dan fy mron; En el portal de Belén. Mother’s love fills my breast. When Jesus our Lord was born in Bethlehem, Ni chaiff dim amharu‘th gyntun, La Virgen está lavando Nothing can trouble your slumber, in the land of Judea, behold, from the east Ni wna undyn â thi gam; Con un poco de jabón. No man will cross you; to the city of Jerusalem there came wise men Huna‘n dawel, annwyl blentyn, Se le picaroon las manos, Sleep quietly, dear child, and said: Huna‘n fwyn ar fron dy fam. Manos de mi corazón. Sleep sweetly on your mother’s breast.

- 14 - - 15 - ‘Say, where is he born the King of Judea? O morning stars, together r I Saw Three Ships t The Little Road to Bethlehem For we have seen his star and are come to adore him.’ Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, I saw three ships come sailing in, As I walked down the road at set of sun, There shall a Star from Jacob come forth, And peace to men on earth. On Christmas day, on Christmas day, The lambs were coming homewards, one by one, And a Sceptre from Israel rise up, For Christ is born of Mary I saw three ships come sailing in, I heard a sheep-bell softly calling them And dash in pieces princes and nations. And gathered all above, On Christmas day in the morning. Along the little road to Bethlehem. While mortals sleep the Angels keep How brightly beams the morning star! Their watch of wondering love. And what was in those ships all three? Beside an open door, as I drew nigh, With sudden radiance from afar On Christmas day (etc.) ... I heard sweet Mary sing a lullaby. With light and comfort glowing. How silently, how silently, She sang about the lambs at close of day The wondrous gift is given; Our Saviour Christ and his lady ... And rocked her tiny King among the hay. Thy Word, Jesus, So God imparts to human hearts Inly feeds us, Rightly leads us, Life bestowing The blessings of His Heaven. Pray whither sailed those ships all three? ... Across the air the silver sheep-bell rang, Praise, oh praise such love o’erflowing. No ear may hear His coming, ‘The lambs are coming home,’ sweet Mary sang, But in this world of sin, Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem ... ‘Your Star of Gold is shining in the sky, Original German text compiled by Christian Charles Josias von Where meek souls will receive Him still, So sleep, my little King, go lullaby.’ Bunsen (1743-1820) from biblical sources The dear Christ enters in. And all the bells on earth shall ring ... Margaret Rose (d.1958) e O Little Town of Bethlehem O holy Child of Bethlehem, And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing ... Descend to us, we pray! y Ding Dong! Merrily on High O little town of Bethlehem, Cast out our sin and enter in, And all the souls on earth shall sing ... How still we see thee lie! Be born in us to-day. Ding Dong! merrily on high Above thy deep and dreamless sleep We hear the Christmas angels, Then let us all rejoice, amain ... In heav’n the bells are ringing The silent stars go by. The great glad tidings tell; Ding, dong! verily the sky Yet in thy dark streets shineth O come to us, abide with us, English traditional Is riv’n with angel singing The everlasting Light; Our Lord Emmanuel! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night. Bishop Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) E’en so here below, below Let steeple bells be swungen

- 16 - - 17 - And i-o, i-o, i-o i Blessed Jesu! Here We Stand Et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. O come, all ye faithful, By priest and people be sungen Sancta Maria, mater Dei, joyful and triumphant! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis Blessèd Jesus! here we stand, Ora pro nobis peccatoribus, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Met to do as Thou hast spoken; Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. Come and behold him Pray you dutifully prime And this child, at Thy command, Born the King of Angels: Your matin chime, ye ringers Now we bring to Thee, in token Hail Mary, full of grace, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. May you beautifully rime That to Christ it here is given; The Lord is with you; Your evetime song, ye singers For of such shall be his heaven. Blessed are you among women, God of God, light of light, Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis. And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Make it, Head, Thy member now; Holy Mary, Mother of God, Very God, begotten, not created: George Ratcliffe Woodward (1843-1934) Shepherd, take Thy lamb and feed it; Pray for us sinners, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Prince of Peace, its peace be Thou; Now and in the hour of our death. Amen. u A New Year Carol Way of Life, to Heaven, O lead it: Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, p Vine, this branch may nothing sever, Adeste Fideles Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above! Here we bring new water from the well so clear, Grafted firm in Thee for ever. For to worship God with, this happy New Year. Adeste fideles læti triumphantes, Glory to God, glory in the highest: O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Now upon Thy heart it lies, Venite, venite in Bethlehem. Sing levy-dew, sing levy-dew, What our hearts so dearly treasure; Natum videte The water and the wine, Heavenward lead our burdened sighs, Regem angelorum: Traditional, translation by Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) The seven bright gold wires Pour Thy blessing without measure; Venite adoremus Dominum. a Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar And the bugles that do shine. Write the name we now have given, Write it in the book of Heaven. Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine Sing reign of Fair Maid, with gold upon her toe; gestant puellae viscera. Three Kings from Persian lands afar Open you the West Door and turn the Old Year go. Benjamin Schmolck (1672-1737), translated by Catherine Deum verum, genitum non factum. To Jordan follow the pointing star: Sing levy-dew ... Winkworth (1827-1878) Venite adoremus Dominum. And this the quest of the travellers three, Where the new-born King of the Jews may be. Sing reign of Fair Maid, with gold upon her chin; o Ave Maria Cantet nunc hymnos, chorus angelorum, Full royal gifts they bear for the King; Open you the East Door and let the New Year in. Cantet nunc aula cælestium, Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering. Sing levy-dew ... Ave Maria, gratia plena, Gloria in excelsis Deo, Dominus tecum; Venite adoremus Dominum. Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) Benedicta tu in mulieribus,

- 18 - - 19 - How brightly shines the morning star! s De Virgin Mary d The Holly and the Ivy The holly bears a bark With grace and truth from heaven afar As bitter as any gall, Our Jesse tree now bloweth. De Virgin Mary had a baby boy, The holly and the ivy, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ De Virgin Mary had a baby boy, When they are both full grown, For to redeem us all. The star shines out with a steadfast ray; De Virgin Mary had a baby boy, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The rising of the sun ... The kings to Bethlehem make their way, And they say that his name was Jesus. The holly bears the crown. And there in worship they bend the knee, English traditional As Mary’s child in her lap they see; He come from de glory, The rising of the sun Their royal gifts they show to the King; He come from de glorious kingdom. And the running of the deer, f A Spotless Rose Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering. Oh yes, believer! The playing of the merry organ, Oh yes, believer! Sweet singing in the choir. A Spotless Rose is growing, Of Jacob’s stem and David’s line, He come from de glory, Sprung from a tender root, For thee, my Bridegroom, King divine, He came from de glorious kingdom. The holly bears a blossom Of ancient seers‘ foreshowing, My soul with love o’erfloweth. As white as the lily flower, Of Jesse promised fruit; De angels sang when de baby born, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ Its fairest bud unfolds to light Thou child of man, lo, to Bethlehem De angels sang when de baby born, To be our sweet saviour Amid the cold, cold winter, The Kings are travelling, travel with them! De angels sang when de baby born, The rising of the sun ... And in the dark midnight. The star of mercy, the star of grace, And proclaimed him de Saviour Jesus. Shall lead thy heart to its resting place. He come from de glory ... The holly bears a berry The Rose which I am singing, Gold, incense, myrrh thou canst not bring; As red as any blood, Whereof Isaiah said, Offer thy heart to the infant King. De wise men saw where de baby born, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ Is from its sweet root springing De wise men saw where de baby born, To do poor sinners good. In Mary, purest Maid; Thy word, Jesu, Inly feeds us, De wise men saw where de baby born, The rising of the sun ... For through our God‘s great love and might Rightly leads us, Life bestowing. And they say that his name was Jesus. The Blessed Babe she bare us Praise, O praise such love o’erflowing. He come from de glory ... The holly bears a prickle In a cold, cold winter‘s night. As sharp as any thorn, Peter Cornelius (1824-1874). American spiritual And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ Words of 14th Century origin translated by Catherine Winkworth A very free translation by Rev. H. N. Bate of Wie schön leuchtet der On Christmas Day in the morn. (1827-1878) Morgenstern, Philipp Nicolai, 1597 The rising of the sun ...

- 20 - - 21 - g Hark the Herald Angels Sing! Born to raise the sons of earth, HER MAJESTY’S CHAPEL ROYAL of the Roman General, Aulus Plautius, who Born to give them second birth. led the invasion of Britain in AD 43, has the Hark! The herald angels sing, Hark! the herald angels sing ... The Chapel Royal is the oldest surviving distinction of being the first Christian to be “Glory to the new-born King; element of the Royal Household and traces cited for “superstitious worship” - in this case Peace on earth, and mercy mild, Charles Wesley (1707-1788), adapted George Whitefield its origin to the Roman invasion of Britain in a fact recorded by the Roman Proconsul, Tacitus. God and sinners reconciled!” (1714-1770), Martin Madan (1726-1790) and others AD 43, the capture of Caratacus (Christian Joyful, all ye nations, rise. tribal leader of the Silures whose territory lay The Children of the Chapel Royal were first Join the triumph of the skies. h We Wish You a Merry Christmas on what is now the Welsh Borders around educated by King Sigbert of the East Angles With th’ Angelic Hosts proclaim, Monmouth), his shipping to Rome culminating in in AD 635 in his palace at Dunwich, now “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” We wish you a merry Christmas an act of defiance during the victory procession submerged beneath the sea, with their first Hark! the herald angels sing, and a happy New Year. before the Emperor Claudius in AD 51, and instructors being Fursey from Ireland and “Glory to the new-born King.” his return to British shores following his release Bishop Felix from Rome – and according to Bede Deck the halls with boughs of holly. from confinement in Rome by Nero in AD 58. “where boys could be taught letters” as well Christ, by highest heaven adored, Fa-la-la-la-la, fa-la-la-la. As such it is one of the oldest ‘churches’ in as music. Christ, the everlasting lord Christendom inheriting a Christianity which Late in time behold Him come, Away in a manger no crib for his bed, reached these shores perhaps even before However, in origin, and still in principle, the Off-spring of a Virgin’s womb the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. Rome. Many of its earliest ‘members’ caught Chapel Royal is not a building but an Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, up in the invasion of Britain, as well as family establishment: a body of priests and singers Hail, the incarnate deity Ding dong, merrily on high, relations of Caratacus such as Pudens, Claudia to serve the spiritual needs of the Sovereign. Pleased as Man with men to dwell, in heaven the bells are ringing. and Linus, are mentioned by St. Paul in his The Kambrian, Kentish and Northumbrian Jesus, our Emmanuel. Second Epistle to Timothy, and Pudens (Rufus) Royal Courts led the way in the adoption of Hark! the herald angels sing ... Glad tidings we bring to you and your kin. again not only in his Epistle to the Romans, Christianity at Court. The later Anglo-Saxon We wish you a merry Christmas but also in Martial’s Epigrams where the “holy kings had chaplains who also served as clerks, Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace, and a happy New Year. Rufus” is married to the “blue-eyed British and from 1068 the Chancellors of England had Hail, the Sun of Righteousness Princess” (Claudia). A contemporary Roman the Chaplains and the Chancery clerks in Light and life to all He brings, English traditional, W. J. Kirkpatrick and G.R.Woodward stone found in Chichester bears witness that their charge. Risen with healing in His Wings. Pudens and Pudentinus gave land there for Mild He lays His Glory by, the erection of a Temple to Roman gods during At this time, one of the Chaplains was Keeper Born that man no more may die Claudius’s reign. Pomponia Graecina, the wife of the Chapel, with four Serjeants to assist

- 22 - - 23 - him; the Chapel then included books, plate, Famous Children of the Chapel Royal have Sullivan and Thomas Armstrong and Martin Neary vestments, relics and so on, carried in panniers included: Richard Davey (1467-1516); John are such exemplars. on two pack-horses. Later still, a much larger Bull (1562-1628); Captain Henry Cooke at establishment of priests, singers and servants the Restoration; Christopher Gibbons (1615- The composition and performance of the travelled about England with the King, and 1676); Thomas Tudway (1650-1726); Daniel Cathedral-type service of the Chapel Royal, their earliest permanent “chapels” as buildings Roseingrave (1650-1727); Henry Hall (1655- copied across the Realm, is maintained by the were at the Tower of London, Westminster 1707); Pelham Humphrey (1647-1674); William Choirmaster (who also holds titles as Organist Palace and Eltham Palace. From 1312, the Turner (1651-1740); John Blow (1649-1708); and Composer), Sub-Organist, six Gentlemen- Chapel Royal (known variously as the Household Michael Wise (1648-1687); Henry Purcell in-Ordinary and ten Choristers of the Chapel Chapel or King’s Chapel) has had a Dean, and (1660-1695); William Croft (1678-1727); Royal, who are educated with the help of The from 1483, when the Royal Free Chapel of the Jeremiah Clarke (1673-1707); James Kent Queen’s Choral Scholarships at the City of Household was established, there has been a (1700-1776); Charles Stroud (1705-1726); London School, itself founded in 1442, and wear Sub-Dean. “The Chappell” went to France Samuel Howard (1710-1782); Thomas Attwood the royal Gold and Scarlet State Coats for with Henry V in 1415 and Mass was sung (the (1765-1838); George Smart (1776-1867); their services, still tailored according to King King attending in Crown and Surcoat) before William Cusins (1833-1893) and John Goss Charles II’s Royal Warrant of 1661. joining battle at Agincourt, to Notre Dame for (1800-1880). the Coronation of Henry VI as King of France in The 1662 Book of Common Prayer was first 1431, and in 1520 with Henry VIII to the Field of Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, Blow, Purcell (who introduced by the Chapel Royal. Apart from Cloth of Gold, where they sang to the shared his quarters in the Gatehouse with the its timeless Sunday routine, Her Majesty’s accompaniment of a silver chamber organ. In Laureate John Dryden from 1690-95), Green and Chapel Royal retains its peripatetic origins, 2015 the Children of the Chapel Royal returned Boyce became household names. Some found singing annually at the Royal Maundy Service, to the battlefield at Agincourt to sing and themselves singing to the music of George at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance remember their predecessors there. Frideric Handel, who although never a Child Sunday, and upon other occasions appointed by of the Chapel, did become Composer to the the Sovereign. Henry VIII maintained Chapel buildings for the Chapel Royal by King’s edict. Many famous use of the Chapel Royal at Greenwich Palace, recent musicians began their careers as Hampton Court, St. James’s Palace, Whitehall Children of the Chapel, or else became Palace and elsewhere. They became the “the composers as a result of their Chapel Royal cradle of English Church music”. experience. Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Arthur

- 24 - - 25 - HUW WILLIAMS and Stroud Choral Society and teaches at Eton College. In the past few years he has directed Huw Williams is the Director of Music at Bach’s B minor mass, St Matthew Passion, Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace Handel’s Messiah, Requiems by Verdi, Brahms where he directs the professional choir of men and Mozart, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius and and boys. At the Chapel Royal his predecessors Britten’s St Nicolas. He has also directed on include Tallis, Byrd, Purcell and Handel. An tours to Belgium, The Netherlands and experienced performer and recording artist, he Germany, radio broadcasts, commissions by has made over 20 recordings as accompanist John Rutter and Giles Swayne and festival with The Sixteen and with St Paul’s and appearances at St David’s Cathedral and Hereford Cathedrals Choirs and broadcast Tintern Abbey. In 2015 he has directed two live on television and radio as both director recordings – one for Cantemus on the Regent and accompanist. As well as the Chapel Label and one for Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal Royal he directs Cantemus Chamber Choir on the Signum Record label.

Children Gentlemen Michael Clayton-Jolly Michael McGuire Harry Fetherstonhaugh James Henshaw Cedric Amamoo Johnny Langridge Thomas John Jerome Finnis Jayden Tejuoso Maciek O’Shea Peter Heywood Edward Ballard Ravi Joshi Matthew Davies Director of Music Oliver Davies Huw Williams Oliver Simpson Gaius Bartlett

- 26 - - 27 - Huw has worked extensively in the UK, USA, at the Church of the Redeemer, near MARTYN NOBLE Africa and in Europe as a conductor, organ Philadelphia. One of his solo organ recordings soloist and accompanist. He has been invited received Gramophone magazine’s Editor’s Martyn has performed several recitals across to direct masterclasses, adjudicate at music Choice award. In recognition of his work in the country, including Liverpool Cathedrals, competitions and Eisteddfodau and is an the musical world he was awarded the York Minster and Canterbury Cathedral. He Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in has had a number of accompanist roles, from Music examiner. He has performed with many 2001 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal choral societies and musical theatre to cathedral British orchestras including the London in 2012. choirs and school choirs. Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, BBC He graduated with first-class honours from Welsh Symphony, the London Mozart Players studying the organ and the piano at the Royal and the City of London Sinfonia. Recent College of Music in London this year, having performances include the opening concert on been appointed Sub-Organist at Her Majesty the new Mander Organ presented to The Chapels Royal, St. James’s Palace the year Queen by the City of London, Bath Abbey and previous. The Palace formerly employed musicians Lagos Cathedral, Nigeria. such as Handel, Byrd and Purcell among others.

Born in Swansea, a graduate from Christ’s In 2012, Martyn came second in the Northern Martyn has played live on BBC Radio 3, BBC College, Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Ireland International Organ Competition and Radio 4, for a Christmas day broadcast with Music he became Assistant Organist at Hereford was also awarded the prize for the best Classic FM and has recorded several CD’s for Cathedral in 1995. In 1998 he moved to St performance of a work of Bach. He has both Priory Records and Signum Records. Paul’s Cathedral where for ten years, as the accompanied choirs in venues such as La principal organist, he played for all the major Madeleine and Notre Dame in Paris, as well recordings and broadcasts and worked daily as Saint Mihaly and Saint Anna Templom with the world famous choir. Whilst at St in Budapest. Paul’s he featured in a documentary on S4C, the Welsh television channel and many of his compositions were performed at the cathedral. In 2008 he became Director of Music

- 28 - - 29 - Recorded in Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London on 20th and 25th April 2015. Producer – Alistair Dixon Recording Engineer – Mike Hatch Recording Assistant – Dave Rowell Editor – George Collins

Cover Image – Watercolour of the Chapel Royal in procession at Christmas by John Castle, 1989. Copy reproduced by gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen. Archive of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal.

Design and Artwork – Woven Design www.wovendesign.co.uk

P 2016 The copyright in this sound recording is owned by Signum Records Ltd © 2016 The copyright in this CD booklet, notes and design is owned by Signum Records Ltd

Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording of Signum Compact Discs constitutes an infringement of copyright and will render the infringer liable to an action by law. Licences for public performances or broadcasting may be obtained from Phonographic Performance Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Signum Records Ltd.

SignumClassics, Signum Records Ltd., Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, UK. +44 (0) 20 8997 4000 E-mail: [email protected] www.signumrecords.com

- 30 - - 31 - ALSO AVAILABLE on signumclassics

Music for the Coronation of James II, 1685 Britten: A Ceremony of Carols Choir of the Chapel Royal, Poston: An English-Day Book Andrew Gant NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christoph Bell SIGCD094 SIGCD228

“The Performances are excellent” “The voices are rich toned, well-balanced and powered by The Sunday Telegraph developing teenage musculature.” Classic FM Magazine

Available through most record stores and at www.signumrecords.com For more information call +44 (0) 20 8997 4000

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