Nowell Synge We Bothe Al and Som

A medieval Christmas celebration by the ensemble that, probably more than any other, has defined the modern approach to performance of vocal music of the Middle Ages.

A gathering of music-lovers during the Christmas season today will often result in a hearty carol singing evening, with its focus on the wonderful melodies of the past. Imagine such an event 600 years ago, complete with some of the music we call old being utterly modern, and when their music ‘from the past’ reached back a further 300 years… Hear the fervour of known and unknown carols in their original 15th century form, and the elegance of their ingenious forerunners in this celebratory interplay of narrative and symbolic poetry picturing the biblical stories of Mary and Jesus, and bound together with a mark of festive ritual by large-scale mass movements by early English celebrities Dunstaple and Power.

Program:

Part I – Annunciation

Anon. (13^th C.): Veni, O sapientia
Anon. (14^th C.): Angelus ad virginem
John Dunstaple: Gaude virgo salutata
Anon. (15^th C.): Nowell, nowell, nowell
Anon. (15^th C.) Alma redemptoris mater: As I lay
John Cooke: Ave regina caelorum
Anon. (12-13^th C.): In natali novi regis
Anon. (15^th C.): Alleluya: a newe werk is come on honed
Anon. (15^th C.): Mervele not, Joseph
Anon. (13^th C.): Edi be thu, heven queene
Trad.: O sapientia
John Dunstaple: Magnificat
Walter Frye: Ave regina caelorum

Part II – Nativity

Anon. (14^th C.) Lullay, lullay: Als I lay
Anon. (15^th C.): Ecce, quod natura
Anon. (15^th C.): Ave rex angelorum
Queldryk: Gloria Motet
Anon. (15^th C.) : Benedicite Deo
Leonel Power: Sanctus
Anon. (15^th C.): Ther ys no rose of swich virtu
Anon. (12-13^th C.): Resonet, intonet
Anon. (15^th C.): Nowell syng we
Trad.: Puer natus est nobis
Anon. (15^th C.): Nowell: Owt of your slepe (vv. 1-2)
Trad.: Cantate domino
Anon. (15^th C.): Nowell: Owt of your slepe (vv. 3-4)

Musicians:
Catherine King, mezzo soprano
Steven Harrold, tenor
Julian Podger, tenor
Simon Whitely, bass-baritone