Three
Medieval Carols
1.
Out
of your sleep
2.
Maid,
Mother, Mary
3.
Welcome!
Our Messias
My Three Medieval Carols were written between 1969 and 1973 for the six solo
voices of the Baccholian Singers. Later I have revised them for mens voices of
the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, retaining the six-part texture but
relaying some sections to contrast solo and full voices. The carols need little in the way of
introduction or explanation and reflect the Christmas message in a style that
is both direct and colourful.
Out of your
sleep begins with a slow introduction making use of some aleatoric techniques to paint a picture of gradual waking
into a dawn full of bells. Thereafter
the music picks up in tempo, although the bell sounds are never far way and
finally form a joyful coda. Maid, Mother, Mary is altogether
gentler and more reflective in character, and makes much use of a solo
tenor. Welcome! Our Messias is an exuberant
setting that drives the music forward to a bright, optimistic conclusion.
© Christopher Brown
2011