Category: music

Alleluia

April 25, 2023

Alleluia!
This is indeed the Alleluia season.
There are many, many pieces of celebratory church music that have just the one word – Alleluia – and since this magazine issue is going out predominantly online, I thought this would be a good time to showcase some of them … More Alleluia

As Dew in Aprille – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

April 11, 2023

So often I have written that carols are not just for Christmas – and here is another example. “As Dew in Aprille” is from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols”. During Lent we celebrate both Mothering Sunday and the Annunciation of Mary – when Gabriel visited Mary to ask if she would bear God’s son. This carol is very appropriate for both occasions. The text comes from a middle English lyric poem by an anonymous author … More As Dew in Aprille – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Daemon Irrepit Callidus – Gyorgy Orban (b.1947)

March 28, 2023

It is possible to resist negative temptations by making opposing positive actions: instead of complaining or spreading negative gossip, praise others – and pray for them; instead of buying new clothes, donate some of what you already have – and choose to shop ‘pre-loved’; instead of eating the chocolate that you buy, donate it to Barnabus. Instead of depriving ourselves, we could modify what we do, or take on additional activities. For example … More Daemon Irrepit Callidus – Gyorgy Orban (b.1947)

Bring us O Lord God – Words John Donne (15572-1631), Music William H Harris (1883-1973)

March 14, 2023

I can’t remember when I was introduced to this anthem (other than pre-pandemic), but I sang it with the Manchester Chorale, and probably in a couple of concerts. It is scored for two unaccompanied choirs, both singing at the same time, so there are two groups of each voice part, each accompanying the other. Rehearsals made me tingle, so beautiful was the sound of the words interweaving with the music … More Bring us O Lord God – Words John Donne (15572-1631), Music William H Harris (1883-1973)