The poem I Sing Of A Maiden is one of the best known of the anonymous medieval hymns deceptive in its simplicity and full of grace and faith. The setting by Lennox Berkeley also has a deceptivesimplicity but reveals on repeated listenings or performances a harmonic integrity and subtlely that has made it a work that will continue to be performed and enjoyed for a long time to come. Lennox Berkeley wascomposing and having his works performed before he finished school then upon meeting Ravel was introduced to legendary teacher Nadia Boulanger in Paris with whom he studied. He mixed with the great artistic and musicalnames of prewar Paris before returning to Britain where he later met and lived with Benjamin Britten before the arrival of Peter Pears in Britten’s life. Berkeley was professor of composition at the Royal Academy of Musicand himself composed more than two hundred works of music many of them of enduring value.

For SATB unaccompanied.This is a vibrant and rhythmic Christmas carol based on an anonymous 15th-century text. The modal feel and lively rhythms lend this carol a medieval character which will delight singers and audiences alike. An enjoyable option for any SATB choir at Christmas.

The text for “Blessed Be That Maid Mary” comes from an anonymous 15th century English author and makes liberal use of a common literary device of the time: mixing English and Latin phrases together. Set with a gentle melody like a lullaby the Christmas work evokes warmth and a sense of quiet wonder. Duration: ca. 4:15

Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series-Setting an anonymous poem the message is beautiful and relevant. Music truly is a magical art. It has the power to move and transform us. It gives deeper meaning to the important milestones of our lives. It gives voice to feelings and emotions too complex to put into words. Powerful and insightful.

Music for SATB chorus occupies an important place in Rhian Samuel's catalogue of works from the early carols written in the USA 'Jolly Wat the Shepherd' of 1970 and 'So Long Ago' (1st Prize Greenwich Festival 1979) to her most recent anthems for the Choir of New College Oxford. In her songs vocal chamber music and choral compositions she has explored an impressive range of poetry from anonymous 14th-century Welsh texts and traditional Japanese verse to Emily Dickinson Samuel Beckett and contemporary poets including Anne Stevenson. Samuel's three 'Jacobean Lyrics' of 1979 included a simple canonic account of George Herbert's 'I got me flowers'. Thisnew a cappella setting returns to the poet's sublime devotional verse reflecting the dialogue structure of 'Love Bade Me Welcome' through expressive contrasts of material and vocal ensemble.