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Home , Harold Darke, In the Bleak Midwinter, Organ scholar, William McKie (musician)

CTP Template: CD_INL1 COLOURS Compact Disc Back Inlay CYAN MAGENTA Customer SignumClassics YELLOW Catalogue No.SIGCD269 BLACK Job Title: Journey into Light

SIGNUM

JOURNEY INTO LIGHT CLASSICS SIGCD269 Music for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas

1 Christ the apple tree Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) [3.05]

2 We wait for thy loving kindness William McKie (1901-1984) [2.32] 3 I sing of a maiden Patrick Hadley (1899-1973) [2.43] JOURNEY INTO LIGHT LIGHT INTO JOURNEY 4 Advent Prose Judith Weir (b.1954) [1.43] 5 There is no rose John Joubert (b.1927) [2.29] 6 to the Virgin (1913-1976) [3.18] 7 Bright star carol Nico Muhly (b.1981) [3.52] 8 (1888-1976) [4.28] 9 Tomorrow shall be my dancing day John Gardner (b.1917) [2.06] 0 The Shepherd’s Carol Bob Chilcott (b.1955) [2.54] q I saw three ships Trad. arr. (b.1938) [2.03] JESUS COLLEGE w The little road to Michael Head (1900-1976) [3.00] e Away in a manger W.J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) [2.56] JESUS COLLEGE CHOIRS CHOIRS COLLEGE JESUS r Sir Christèmas (1934-1992) [1.28] t The Lamb (b.1944) [3.26] y Paean on ‘Divinum Mysterium’ John Cook (1918-1984) [4.20] u Epiphany Judith Bingham (b.1952) [3.37] i Here is the little door (1892-1983) [4.00] o Bethlehem Down Peter Warlock (1894-1930) [4.03] p Nunc dimittis Geoffrey Burgon (1941-2010) [2.45] a Hymn to the Creator of Light (b.1945) [7.22] JOURNEY INTO LIGHT Total timings: [68.13]

LC15723

Signum Records Ltd, Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, SIGCD269

CLASSICS Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, . P 2012 Signum Records DDD SIGCD269 © 2012 Signum Records www.signumrecords.com 24 bit digital recording 6 35212 02692 2 SIGNUM

JOURNEY INTO LIGHT Music for Advent, Christmas, 8 In the bleak midwinter Harold Darke (1888-1976) [4.28] Combined Choirs Epiphany and Candlemas Timothy Lambourn organ Alasdair Austin treble solo Jaliya Senanayake tenor solo

1 Jesus Christ the apple tree Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) [3.05] 9 Tomorrow shall be my dancing day John Gardner (1917-2011) [2.06] College Combined Choirs Emma Walton soprano solo Timothy Lambourn organ

2 We wait for thy loving kindness William McKie (1901-1984) [2.32] 0 The Shepherd’s Carol Bob Chilcott (b.1955) [2.54] Chapel Choir Combined Choirs Robert Dixon organ Alexander Beetschen baritone solo q I saw three ships Trad. arr. Simon Preston (b.1938) [2.03] Combined Choirs 3 I sing of a maiden Patrick Hadley (1899-1973) [2.43] Timothy Lambourn organ Choristers Nico Bryan treble solo Robert Dixon organ Edward Leach tenor solo

4 Advent Prose Judith Weir (b.1954) [1.43] w The little road to Bethlehem Michael Head (1900-1976) [3.00] College Choir Choristers Robert Dixon organ

5 There is no rose John Joubert (b.1927) [2.29] College Choir e Away in a manger W.J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) [2.56] Combined Choirs

6 Hymn to the Virgin Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) [3.18] Olympia Hetherington soprano r Sir Christèmas William Mathias (1934-1992) [1.28] Frances Burn alto Combined Choirs Edward Leach tenor Timothy Lambourn organ Matthew Smith bass

t The Lamb John Tavener (b.1944) [3.26] 7 Bright star carol Nico Muhly (b.1981) [3.52] College Choir Combined Choirs Robert Dixon organ

JOURNEY INTO LIGHT 2. We wait for Thy loving kindness William McKie (1901-1984) y Paean on ‘Divinum Mysterium’ John Cook (1918-1984) [4.20] Of the annual Christian seasons it is surely that Timothy Lambourn organ solo from Advent to Epiphany which inspires believer Australian-born William McKie was better-known and non-believer alike the most: the believer in Britain, his career culminating as and u Epiphany Judith Bingham (b.1952) [3.37] College Choir celebrates Christ’s birth whilst the non-believer Choirmaster at , where he is Robert Dixon organ considers hopes for rebirth and renewal as a buried, and where he oversaw the music for the New Year approaches. The feast of Candlemas marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant i Here is the little door Herbert Howells (1892-1983) [4.00] which marks the end of the liturgical season Philip Mountbatten in 1947 and for Queen College Choir of Christmas, celebrates the presentation of Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, in which year o Bethlehem Down Peter Warlock (1894-1930) [4.03] the infant Jesus to the old man Simeon, and he was knighted. McKie composed much church Combined Choirs is strongly associated with the gift of light. If music, including, for the 1947 Royal Wedding, aspirations surrounding the arrival of a new the We wait for Thy loving-kindness, O p Nunc dimittis Geoffrey Burgon (1941-2010) [2.45] born child are universal, the God, to words selected by the Abbey’s Precentor. Choristers chosen here reflects the season’s inspiration The work opens with a solo male voice, gradually Robert Dixon organ Rebecca Crawshaw trumpet through quite recent compositions, alongside music building to an impressive climax. from the early part of the 20th century. a Hymn to the Creator of Light John Rutter (b.1945) [7.22] 3. I sing of a maiden College Choir 1. Jesus Christ the apple tree Patrick Hadley (1899-1973) Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) Total timings: [68.13] Patrick Hadley became a close friend and pupil of

Elizabeth Poston was a composer, arranger, Vaughan Williams and colleague of many British pianist and arts administrator. Her best-known composers. An excellent conductor and lecturer compositions are based upon folk tunes, and her in music, Hadley’s shorter pieces – amongst setting of Jesus Christ the apple tree (the author several large-scale choral-orchestral works – THE CHOIR OF JESUS COLLEGE of the New poem is unknown), spread her especially the carol ‘I sing of a maiden’ (1936, ROBERT DIXON & TIMOTHY LAMBOURN ORGAN name across the English-speaking world. It is her to traditional words), perfectly encapsulate his REBECCA CRAWSHAW TRUMPET most famous composition, admirably displaying skill and originality. MARK WILLIAMS DIRECTOR her qualities as a sensitive creative figure. www.signumrecords.com - 5 - 4. Advent Prose 6. Hymn to the Virgin 8. In the bleak midwinter 10. The Shepherd’s Carol Judith Weir (b.1954) Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) Harold Darke (1888-1976) Bob Chilcott (b.1955)

The text of Judith Weir’s a cappella setting, Although Britten composed many works for voices, From 1916 Harold Darke was Organist of St Bob Chilcott’s career began as a singer, and anticipating the Messiah’s coming, is from the music for Christmas rarely appears amongst Michael’s Cornhill for 50 years, initiating St he became one of The King’s Singers. With Book of Isaiah. The composer explains her piece them. A Ceremony of Carols (treble voices and Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recitals, now the such practical experience, his vocal writing ‘was written in 1983 and first performed by harp) is the best known, but in 1930, aged 16 longest-running such series in the world. His is particularly fine, his many vocal the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge’. Based on and a pupil at Gresham’s School, he wrote this setting of ’s In the Bleak compositions being welcomed by performers the mode i plainsong melody, the music swells magical setting of an anonymous 14th-century Midwinter is one of those rare English carols to and audiences alike. The Shepherd’s Carol is from unison to eight-part harmony and back again. text. It was slightly revised soon afterwards for achieve transcendence. In 2008, it was voted an excellent example of his work; a simple tune, two vocal groups – one large, one small – the greatest carol of all time in a poll of choral initially unaccompanied, it is woven into a rich 5. There is no rose becoming one of the earliest works published experts and choirmasters. vocal tapestry. John Joubert (b.1927) during his lifetime. 9. Tomorrow shall be my dancing day 11. I saw three ships Born in Cape Town, John Joubert has lived in 7. Bright star carol John Gardner (1917-2011) arr. Simon Preston (b.1938) England for many years, composing in many Nico Muhly (b.1981) genres – operas, concertos, symphonies, chamber Manchester-born John Gardner lived for most of his Some claim this traditional English carol tune and much choral music. His choral works Vermont-born, long-time New York resident, Nico life in the environs of . A prolific composer is a variant of Greensleeves; at least 500 years remain his best known, although he dislikes Muhly is set to become one of America’s leading in almost all genres, the carol Tomorrow shall be my old, it exists in many arrangements, one of the being ‘pigeon-holed’ as a composer. Joubert’s 21st-century composers. A former boy chorister, dancing day, is Gardner’s most enduringly popular­ most successful in recent decades being that carol There is no rose of such virtue, Opus 14, much of Muhly’s work is choral, including notable work. It was written for the Choir of St Paul’s Girls by Simon Preston, who for several years was a written in 1954, continues to be among his music for Christmas, his commissions including School where, as a successor of Herbert Howells successor to William McKie as Organist and most-often performed shorter works, a classic of a carol for Tewkesbury Abbey alongside this and , John Gardner was Director Choirmaster at Westminster Abbey. the modern Christmas repertoire. Advent carol for Jesus College, Cambridge, plus of Music in the 1960s, a post he held alongside seven organ preludes for Westminster Abbey teaching posts at Morley College and the Royal 12. The little road to Bethlehem based on the great “O” Advent . Academy of Music. A much-loved teacher, lecturer, Michael Head (1900-1976) composer and musician, he died just a few months after the recording of this disc was completed. Michael Head, a gifted singer, possessed a genuinely gentle creative gift. His output,

- 6 - - 7 - whilst not especially large, is concentrated sequence, a wondrously energetic setting, stands His best-known composition, Paean on Divinum 18. Here is the little door upon his distinguished song settings, of which aside from the religious aspect to concentrate Mysterium, written in 1956, is an organ fantasia Herbert Howells (1892-1983) the most famous and enduring example is The upon more secular seasonal matters. Full of on the 16th-century carol ‘Divinum Mysterium’, little road to Bethlehem. The words by Margaret excited energy, as the realisation that Christ’s often translated as ‘Of the Father’s heart Herbert Howells’s choral and organ music has Rose place the Nativity in any country: birth is upon us, the music grows superbly until begotten’, based on an ancient plainsong melody. long featured in the repertoire, his carols and the result is deeply touching in its masterly the final shouts of ‘Nowell’, with which ‘Rex short ensuring his fame across the combination of text and music. Pacificus’ has certainly arrived. 17. Epiphany world. Howells was still composing in his 90s; Judith Bingham (b.1952) this famous early carol, Here is the little door 13. Away in a manger 15. The Lamb dates from his earliest period, published in 1918. W.J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) John Tavener (b.1944) Judith Bingham won the 1997 BBC Young arr. (b.1919) Composer Award and, as a former member of the 19. Bethlehem Down Sir John Tavener has written that The Lamb was BBC Singers, her music is often cited as displaying Peter Warlock (1894-1930) Kirkpatrick was born in Pennsylvania; although composed in 1982 ‘for my then three-year old a natural understanding of the voice. Epiphany music played a dominant role throughout his nephew, Simon. It was composed from seven was written in response to a commission from ‘Peter Warlock’, the pseudonym of Philip Heseltine, life, he only became a full-time musician when notes in an afternoon. Blake’s child-like vision the Dean and Chapter of Winchester for set Bruce Blunt’s poem Bethlehem Down in 1927 he was 40, after which he composed many sacred perhaps explains The Lamb’s great popularity in a the enthronement of Bishop Michael Scott-Joynt which became the winning entry in The Daily pieces. Away in a manger appeared in 1885 and world that is starved of this precious and sacred in January 1996. Keen to find a way of linking Telegraph Carol competition. Almost immediately, quickly achieved great popularity. The provenance dimension in almost every aspect of life.’ the season to the ceremony, Bingham focused on it achieved considerable popularity, subsequently of the words remains uncertain; it is sometimes the sense of the Epiphany as a journey with its becoming the best known of Warlock’s short claimed that the tune is a variant of an Austrian 16. Paean on ‘Divinum Mysterium’ connotations for a new ministry. The composer choral pieces. folk-song, yet in its familiar form it remains one John Cook (1918-1984) wrote her own text ‘placing the journey of the Magi of the most perfect of all carols. in an English winter landscape’ and building the 20. Nunc dimittis (1979) John Cook, at Christ’s College, sound from, in her own words, ‘the silent prayerful Geoffrey Burgon (1941-2010) 14. Sir Christèmas Cambridge, pursued a varied career prior to atmosphere of a full cathedral to the solemn William Mathias (1934-1992) being appointed Organist and Choirmaster of grandeur of the bishop’s ascension’. Geoffrey Burgon’s Nunc dimittis is exceptional Holy Trinity, Stratford-Upon-Avon, followed by in arising from incidental music for a television Ave Rex is a carol sequence by the Welsh-born a post at St Paul’s Cathedral, Ontario, and espionage series, ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’, William Mathias, written in 1969 for Cardiff’s later still at the Church of the Advent in starring Sir Alec Guinness, which proved Polyphonic Choir. Sir Christèmas, the fourth in the Boston, Massachusetts. enormously successful in pop music terms. The

- 8 - - 9 - music’s appeal stems from its combination 1 Jesus Christ the apple tree 2 We wait for thy loving-kindness of haunting melody and subtle harmonies – an Elizabeth Poston William McKie original and memorable contribution to English church music. The text recounts the words The tree of life my soul hath seen, We wait for thy loving-kindness sung by Simeon at the Presentation of Christ in Laden with fruit, and always green. in the midst of thy temple. Alleluia. the Temple, and is familiar as the second The trees of nature fruitless be O God, according to thy Name, canticle sung in the office of . Compared to Christ the apple tree. so is thy praise unto the world’s end: thy right hand is full of righteousness. 21. Hymn to the Creator of Light For happiness I long have sought, Alleluia. O Lord, send us now prosperity. John Rutter (b.1945) And pleasure dearly I have bought: Amen. I missed of all; but now I see John Rutter read music at Clare College, ‘Tis found in Christ the apple tree. Words: Psalms 48:8, 9; 118:25 Cambridge, where he sang in the choir. Director of Music at the College from 1975-79, he I’m weary with my former toil, 3 I sing of a maiden is among the most famous of living choral Here I will sit and rest awhile; Patrick Hadley music composers. Hymn to the Creator of Under the shadow I will be, Light, for unaccompanied eight-part choir, was Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. I sing of a maiden that is makeless, composed for the dedication of the Herbert King of all kings, to her son she ches. Howells memorial window in Gloucester This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, He came all so still where his mother was, Cathedral in 1992. It keeps my dying faith alive; As dew in April that falleth on the grass. Which makes my soul in haste to be He came all so still to his mother’s bower, © Robert Matthew-Walker 2011 With Jesus Christ the apple tree. As dew in April that falleth on the flower. He came all so still where his mother lay, Words: From ‘Divine or Spiritual Songs’ As dew in April that falleth on the spray. compiled by Joshua Smith (1810) Mother and maiden was never none but she. Well may such a lady God’s mother be.

Words: Anonymous (from the 15th-century Sloane Manuscript)

- 10 - - 11 - 4 Advent Prose Then leave we all this worldly mirth, Lady, flow’r of ev’rything, STAR: No, this ye need not do; Judith Weir And follow we this joyful birth; Rosa sine spina But only come and see Him rest, Transeamus. Thou bare Jesu, Heaven’s King, A princely Babe, in’s mother’s brest. Drop down ye heavens from above, Gratia divina And let the skies pour down righteousness. Words: Anonymous (15th century) Of all thou bear’st the prize, CHORUS: He’s seen! He’s seen! why then around Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people; Lady, queen of paradise Let’s kisse the sweet and holy ground; My salvation shall not tarry. 6 Hymn to the Virgin Electa And all rejoyce that we have found I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions. Benjamin Britten Maid mild, mother es Effecta. A King, before conception, crown’d. Fear not, for I will save thee; Effecta For I am the Lord thy God, Of one that is so fair and bright, Come then, come then, and let us bring The holy one of Israel, thy redeemer. Velut maris stella Words: Anonymous (c.1300) Unto our prettie twelfth-tide King, Drop down ye heavens from above, Brighter than the day is light, Each one his severall offering. 7 Bright star carol And let the skies pour down righteousness. Parens et puella I cry to thee, thou see to me, Nico Muhly And when night comes wee’l give him wassailing; Commissioned by Jesus College, Words: based on Isaiah 45 Lady, pray thy Son for me, And that his treble honours may be seen, Tam pia December 2010 Wee’l chuse him King, and make his mother Queen. 5 There is no rose That I may come to thee. Tell us, thou cleere and heavenly tongue, John Joubert Maria! Words: Robert Herrick (1591-1674) Where is the Babe but lately sprung? Lies he the lillie-banks among? There is no rose of such virtue All this world was forlorn 8 In the bleak midwinter As is the rose that bare Jesu; Eva peccatrice Or say, if this new Birth of ours Harold Darke Alleluia. Till our Lord was y-born Sleeps, laid within some ark of flowers, De te genetrice Spangled with deaw-light; thou canst cleere In the bleak midwinter For in this rose containèd was With ave it went away All doubts, and manifest the where. Frosty wind made moan, Heaven and earth in little space; Darkest night, and comes the day, Earth stood hard as iron, Res miranda. Salutis Declare to us, bright star, if we shall seek Water like a stone; The well springeth out of thee. Him in the morning’s blushing cheek, Snow had fallen, snow on snow, By that rose we may well see Virtutis Or search the beds of spices through, Snow on snow, There be one God in persons three, To find him out? In the bleak midwinter, Pares forma. Long ago.

- 12 - - 13 - Our God, heaven cannot hold him, 9 Tomorrow shall be my dancing day 0 The Shepherd’s Carol q I saw three ships Nor earth sustain; John Gardner Bob Chilcott Trad. arr. Simon Preston Heaven and earth shall flee away When he comes to reign; Tomorrow shall be my dancing day; We stood on the hills, Lady, I saw three ships come sailing in In the bleak midwinter I would my true love did so chance Our day’s work done, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, A stable place sufficed To see the legend of my play, Watching the frosted meadows I saw three ships come sailing in The Lord God Almighty, To call my true love to my dance; That winter had won. On Christmas day in the morning. Jesus Christ. The evening was calm, Lady, Sing, oh my love, oh my love, my love, my love, The air so still, And what was in those ships all three? Enough for him, whom Cherubim This have I done for my true love. Silence more lovely than music On Christmas day, on Christmas day, Worship night and day Folded the hill. And what was in those ships all three? A breast full of milk Then was I born of a virgin pure, There was a star, Lady, On Christmas day in the morning. And a manger full of hay. Of her I took fleshly substance Shone in the night, Enough for him, whom angels Thus was I knit to man’s nature Larger than Venus it was Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady, Fall down before, To call my true love to my dance. And bright, so bright. On Christmas day, on Christmas day, The ox and ass and camel Oh, a voice from the sky, Lady, Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady, which adore. In a manger laid, and wrapped I was It seemed to us then On Christmas day in the morning. What can I give him, So very poor, this was my chance, Telling of God being born Poor as I am? Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, In the world of men. Pray, whither sailed those ships all three? If I were a shepherd To call my true love to my dance. And so we have come, Lady, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, I would bring a lamb, Our day’s work done, Pray, whither sailed those ships all three? If I were a wise man Then afterwards baptised I was; Our love, our hopes, ourselves, On Christmas day in the morning. I would do my part, The Holy Ghost on me did glance, We give to your son. Yet what I can I give Him — My Father’s voice heard from above, O, they sailed to Bethlehem, Give my heart. To call my true love to my dance. Words: Anonymous On Christmas day, on Christmas day, O, they sailed to Bethlehem, Words: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) Words: Traditional On Christmas day in the morning.

- 14 - - 15 - And all the bells on earth shall ring, Beside an open door as I drew nigh, I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky t The Lamb On Christmas day, on Christmas day, I heard sweet Mary sing a lullaby. And stay by my side until morning is nigh. John Tavener And all the bells on earth shall ring, She sang about the lambs at close of day, On Christmas day in the morning. And rocked her tiny King among the hay. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Little Lamb, who made thee? Close by me forever, and love me I pray. Dost thou know who made thee? And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, Across the air the silver sheepbells rang, Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, Gave thee life, and bid thee feed On Christmas day, on Christmas day, “The lambs are coming home,” sweet Mary sang. And take us to heaven to live with Thee there. By the stream and o’er the mead; And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, “Your star of gold, your star of gold is shining in Gave thee clothing of delight, Words: Anonymous (19th-century American) On Christmas day in the morning. the sky, Softest clothing, woolly, bright; So sleep, my little King, go lullaby.” r Sir Christèmas Gave thee such a tender voice, Then let us all rejoice amain, William Mathias Making all the vales rejoice? On Christmas day, on Christmas day, As I walked down the road at set of sun, Little Lamb, who made thee? Then let us all rejoice amain, The lambs were coming homewards one by one. Nowell, nowell. Dost thou know who made thee? On Christmas day in the morning. I heard a sheepbell softly calling them, Who is there that singeth so, Nowell, nowell? Along the little road to Bethlehem. I am here, Sir Christèmas. Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee And all the souls on earth shall sing, Welcome, my lord Sir Christèmas! Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee; On Christmas day, on Christmas day, Words: Margaret Rose Welcome to all, both more and less! He is called by thy name, And all the souls on earth shall sing, Come near, come near, Nowell, nowell. For he calls himself a Lamb. On Christmas day in the morning. e Away in a manger Dieu vous garde, beaux sieurs, tidings I you bring: He is meek, and he is mild. W.J. Kirkpatrick A maid hath borne a child full young, He became a little child. Words: Anonymous (17th century) Which causeth you to sing: Nowell, nowell. I, a child, and thou a lamb, Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, Christ is now born of a pure maid; We are called by his name. w The little road to Bethlehem The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; In an ox-stall he is laid, Little lamb, God bless thee! Michael Head The stars in the bright sky looked down where Wherefore sing we at abrayde: Nowell, nowell. Little lamb, God bless thee! He lay, Buvez bien, buvez bien par toute la compagnie. As I walked down the road at set of sun, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Make good cheer and be right merry, Words: William Blake (1757-1827) The lambs were coming homewards one by one. And sing with us now joyfully: Nowell, nowell. I heard a sheepbell softly calling them, The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, Nowell. Along the little road to Bethlehem. But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. Words: Anonymous (15th century)

- 16 - - 17 - u Epiphany Bend low about his bed: for each he has a gift! Here he has peace and a short while for dreaming, a Hymn to the Creator of Light Judith Bingham See how his eyes awake – lift up your hands! O lift! Close-huddled oxen to keep him from cold, John Rutter For Gold he gives a keen-edged sword (defend with Mary for love, and for lullaby music Deep midwinter, the dark centre of the year, it thy little Lord)! Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold. Glory be to thee, O Lord, Wake, O earth, awake, For incense, smoke of battle red. Creator of the visible light, Out on the hills a star appears, Myrrh for the honoured happy dead. Words: Bruce Blunt (1899-1957) the sun’s ray, the flame of fire. Here lies the way for pilgrim kings, Gifts for his children, terrible and sweet, Glory be to thee, O Lord, Three magi on an ancient path, Touched by such tiny hands and oh! such tiny feet. p Nunc dimittis Creator also of the light invisible and intellectual, Black hours begin their journeyings. Geoffrey Burgon That which is known of God. Words: G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) Glory be to thee, O Lord, Their star has risen in our hearts, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace Creator of the light, Empty thrones, abandoned fears, o Bethlehem Down according to thy word. for the writings of the law, Out on the hills their journey starts, Peter Warlock For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, for oracles of prophets, In dazzling darkness God appears. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all for melody of psalms, “When He is King we will give him the Kings’ gifts, people; for wisdom of proverbs, Words: Judith Bingham (b. 1952) Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown, To be a light to lighten the Gentiles experience of histories, Beautiful robes,” said the young girl to Joseph, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. a light which never sets. i Here is the little door Fair with her first-born on Bethlehem Down. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the God is the Lord, who hath shewed us light. Herbert Howells Holy Ghost; Light, who dost my soul enlighten; Bethlehem Down is full of the starlight, As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be; Sun, who all my life dost brighten; Here is the little door. Winds for the spices, and stars for the gold, World without end. Joy, the sweetest man e’er knoweth; Lift up the latch; O lift! Mary for sleep, and for lullaby music Amen. Fount, whence all my being floweth. We need not wander more, Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold. From thy banquet let me measure, but enter with our gift. When he is King they will clothe him in Words: Luke 2:29-32 as translated in Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; A gift of finest Gold, grave-sheets, the Through the gifts thou here dost give us, Gold that was never bought nor sold; Myrrh for embalming and wood for a crown, As thy guest in heav’n receive us. Alleluia. Myrrh to be strewn about his bed; He that lies now in the white arms of Mary Creator of the visible light. Incense in clouds about his head; Sleeping so lightly on Bethlehem Down. Words: Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626) all for the Child who stirs not in his sleep, but Holy slumber holds with ass and sheep. and J. Franck (1618-1677)

- 18 - - 19 - highly regarded. It is thought that boys may of Ancient Music for performances of Bach’s St BIOGRAPHIES have sung in the Chapel from the foundation of Matthew Passion. The Choir also leads singing the College in the 15th century, but in 1849 the days which see hundreds of local schoolchildren THE CHOIRS OF Solennelle; participated in the BBC Proms as part Choir was re-endowed and provision was made visiting Jesus College Chapel to take part in vocal JESUS COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE of the University’s 800th anniversary celebrations; for “six singing boys” to adorn the worship of the workshops and a final . The Chapel Choir and recorded broadcasts for BBC TV and Radios 2, newly-restored Chapel. Since then, trebles from has made several recordings, including a disc of Jesus College Cambridge, founded out of the 3 and 4. The Choir also has a rapidly expanding all over Cambridge have volunteered to sing for Choral Evensong from Jesus College, and Sweet ancient nunnery of St Radegund in 1496, has discography. Praised by The Times for their “energy, College services. The College does not maintain a Spirit, Comfort Me, a selection of music for boys’ a long and rich tradition of church music. It is verve, immaculate tuning and beguiling tone”, choir school, but instead recruits choristers from voices on the Priory label. distinctive in maintaining two choirs: the Chapel Jesus Choral Scholars enjoy an exciting schedule of a wide range of local schools. The Chapel Choir Choir, with its centuries of tradition, which is European and long-haul travel: the Choir has given sings for two of the four Choral each Occasionally, the College and Chapel Choirs join made up of boy choristers and adult male singers; recent in Turkey, Belgium and the Ukraine week, and also participates in services, events together for services and concerts, forming an and the College Choir, formed in 1982, which has and is engaged in an educational collaboration and concerts outside of the usual weekly routine. ensemble of nearly 50 singers. Recent projects female undergraduates for its top line. The adult with children in the slums of Mumbai. Recent performances have taken the full Choir have included Britten’s War Requiem in King’s male singers form the ‘back row’ for both choirs. to venues as diverse as the Abbaye de Solesmes, College Chapel under David Hill; two Christmas Each choir has developed a distinctive reputation The all-male Chapel Choir is one of only three France and the Chapel of Magdalen College ; Celebration concerts with the Royal Philharmonic and repertoire, whilst combining for key events college choirs of its kind in Cambridge, and is while the Choristers have travelled to Arundel , directed by John Rutter; Britten’s St and large-scale projects. In addition to the weekly Castle to film for Channel 4 and Manchester to give Nicolas with Britten Sinfonia; Fauré’s Requiem and schedule of choral services, members of the Choirs live BBC radio broadcasts (visiting Old Trafford on works by Poulenc and Rodney Bennett, also with enjoy concerts, recordings, broadcasts and foreign the way!). The trebles have collaborated regularly Britten Sinfonia; and Bach’s St Matthew Passion tours. with the Choir of King’s College and the Academy in , all under Mark Williams. The Combined Choirs also tour together The College Choir sings two services of Choral from time to time, recently visiting Germany and Evensong each week and regularly performs at the USA, performing in a variety of venues along College feasts, additional services and concerts the East Coast of the United States of America, and throughout the United Kingdom and abroad. featuring on television stations including BBC1, Recently, the Choir has given well-received ITV, CNN and ABC, and on BBC Radio 5 Live. This performances of Bach’s St John Passion, Handel’s is the first recording made by the Combined Choirs Dixit Dominus and Rossini’s Petite Messe of Jesus College.

- 20 - - 21 - The Choristers of The Choral Scholars Robert Dixon Jesus College of Jesus College Robert Dixon is the Junior Organ Scholar of Jesus Alasdair Austin Soprano Alto/Counter-tenor College Cambridge, where he accompanies and Aidan Bennett Louisa Dawes Benjamin Atkins occasionally directs the two college choirs in their Nicholas Bryan Harriet Flower Frances Burn busy schedule of services, concerts, recordings Luke Fitzgerald (Head Chorister) Olympia Hetherington Natasha Brice and tours. He is also a Foundation Scholar of Sam Fitzgerald Kate Huggett Henry Drummond the College, where he has completed the first Thomas Hadden Katie Matthews Susan Haines year of a degree in Theology. Although a native Dominic Hill Emma Pauncefort Thomas Hillman of St Albans, Robert was previously the Orlando Hodgson Emma Walton Sophie Hytner Organ Scholar of , and Christopher Kaufman Lucy Williams Callum Mullins prior to that at Oundle School in Northamptonshire. Rhys Kotak He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Oliver King (Deputy Head Chorister) Tenor Bass in July 2010, and is currently studying Thomas Lane Christopher Bond Patrick Allies with Gordon Stewart. James Patterson Declan Corr Edward Ballard Harry Shapiro Simon Jackson Alexander Beetschen Increasingly in demand both as a solo recitalist Theo Tinkler Edward Leach Raphael Hetherington and as an accompanist, Robert has performed Hugo Walford Jaliya Senanayake Matthew Smith in a variety of guises in , churches and Owain Fletcher Williams Gareth Thomas concert halls throughout the UK – ranging from St Paul’s Cathedral to , and from Birmingham Symphony Hall to the Royal Albert Hall – as well as at locations in France, Belgium, in 2011. Robert has also played on a small the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech number of CDs, raising several hundreds of Republic and the United States of America. pounds for charity in the process, and has made More recently he has given recitals in Bradford, recordings for BBC Radio Gloucestershire and Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester Cathedrals, for BBC Radio 2. However, his most unusual as well as performances during the Three Choirs’ performance to date remains playing the oboe Festival in 2010 and at the Buxton Festival for the BBC on the Tweenies!

- 22 - - 23 - Timothy Lambourn Rebecca Crawshaw

Timothy Lambourn is the Senior Organ Scholar Rebecca Crawshaw is one of the most promising at Jesus College Cambridge where he is studying young professional trumpet players in the UK. for a degree in Geography. Emerging from a brass band background she was principal in the National Youth Brass Band Prior to his time at Cambridge, Tim held organ of Great Britain for 6 years, a soloist with the scholarships at St Mary the Virgin, Twickenham European Youth Brass Band and a finalist in and All Saints, Kingston-upon-Thames alongside BBC Young Brass Player of the Year. During academic and music scholarships at Hampton her time at Cambridge Rebecca held a Music School. In 2005 he was awarded the Hall & Exhibition Award from Jesus College and was Manton Trophy at the Croydon Music Festival, principal trumpet in the CUMS I orchestra, The and he gained Associateship of the Royal College Cambridge Beethoven Ensemble and the award of Organists in 2007. winning Shadwell Opera Company. She has recently worked with professional ensembles Tim has studied with David Briggs, David such as the London Sinfonietta and Opera Sanger and Gordon Stewart since taking up his North and is soon to perform as a soloist in The post at Jesus College. Projects with the choirs Spitalfields Festival. She is also an accomplished have included tours in the UK, to the European Baroque Trumpet player and is involved in The continent and to the USA, live radio broadcasts Bach Cantata series. for the BBC, and a performance of Britten’s St Nicolas in collaboration with the Britten Rebecca was a former student of Murray Greig, Sinfonia in December 2009. and Jim Watson, and studied with Rod Franks and Mark David at the Royal Academy of Music before graduating with distinction earlier this year.

- 24 - - 25 - Mark Williams has performed on a number of film soundtracks, Symphony Orchestra, the City of Prague and appears on CD with the Choir of Trinity Philharmonic Orchestra, The King’s Consort, Mark Williams took up the post of Director of College Cambridge, the Royal Philharmonic The Sixteen, Arcangelo and Retrospect Ensemble. Music at Jesus College Cambridge, where he also Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, This is his first recording with the Choir of holds a Fellowship and teaches for the College the Cambridge Singers, the Bournemouth Jesus College Cambridge. and the Music Faculty, in September 2009. He studied at Trinity College Cambridge where he was also the Organ Scholar. In 2000, at the age of 21, he was appointed Assistant Organist of St Paul’s Cathedral in London and Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral School. He relinquished both posts in April of 2006 in This recording was generously supported by Mr Charles Rawlinson. order to pursue his growing freelance career. Recorded at Jesus College Chapel, Cambridge from 3 - 6 July 2011. Described as “the shooting star of the Producer and Editor - Christopher Hazell international organ scene” by the Berliner Zeitung, Recording Engineer - Mike Hatch he has appeared in the UK, Europe and America Recording Assistant - Will Brown with many leading ensembles, including the Cover Image - Shutterstock London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Design and Artwork - Woven Design www.wovendesign.co.uk Sinfonia and the Gabrieli Consort and Players.

P 2012 The copyright in this recording is owned by Signum Records Ltd. He is the Organist in Residence at the annual © 2012 The copyright in this CD booklet, notes and design is owned by Signum Records Ltd.

International Festival in Oregon, Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording of Signum Compact Discs constitutes an infringement of copyright and will render the infringer liable and has given solo recitals, appeared as 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. harpsichordist and organist, and led of the Royal College of Organists, he is a Freeman SignumClassics, Signum Records Ltd., Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, UK. masterclasses in choral training, singing and of the City of London, and a trustee of the +44 (0) 20 8997 4000 E-mail: [email protected] organ performance in the UK, the USA, Asia Friends of Cathedral Music, the Oundle Music www.signumrecords.com and Africa. Between 2001 and 2009 he was Trust and the Ngoma Dolce Music Foundation the Accompanist and Associate Conductor of in Zambia. In addition to writing and arranging the City of London Choir. A prize-winning Fellow music for television and radio, Mark Williams

- 26 - - 27 - ALSO AVAILABLE on signumclassics

A Ceremony of Carols Benjamin Britten An English Day Book Elizabeth Poston NYCoS National Girls Choir Claire Jones harp Christopher Bell conductor SIGCD228

“This debut recording by Christopher Bell’s NYCoS National Girls Choir could so easily have been just another recording of Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, but for two things: the wholesome confidence of the choir itself … and the successful partnering of Britten’s masterpiece with Elizabeth Poston’s edgy and colourful An English Day-Book.” The Scotsmen - HHHHH

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