Saturday December 5th 19:30 Ware Drill Hall
We will be performing a programme of 20th/21st century Christmas music, loosely themed around snow. (Running order subject to change).
When war broke out they were unable to obtain a return passage and In the severe winter of 1940 Britten almost died of pneumonia.
In a stopover during the voyage, Britten chanced upon a book of medieval poetry that inspired the work. (Britten and Pears had been homesick.)
Rather than familiar carols, the piece comprises an eclectic mix of anonymous medieval texts and later poems.
We are singing Britten’s own arrangement, and the choir will be accompanied by harp.
Bob Chilcott’s ‘Midwinter’ takes Christina Rossetti’s poem, ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ (originally set by Holst) and weaves a new melody and vocal texture.
To quote ‘Choir’ magazine. “Rossetti’s familiar words are given a most appealing setting with a catchy tune and beguiling accompaniment.”
Edward Elgar’s ‘The Snow’ was composed 1894 with lyrics based on a poem written by his wife Alice Elgar.
Sarah Quartel is a Canadian composer and music educator. ‘A Winters Day’ comprises five movements, each depicting different periods of the day.
The music conjures up vivid images of snowy landscapes, a cold and crisp Canadian winter with with swirling, dancing snowflakes.
.The text comes from various writers including LM Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables).
The choir is accompanied by piano and solo cello.
