Robert Southwell’s Christmas poem is both dramatic and immediate in its impact. Its metaphysical imagery is realised through dramatic musical gestures and vocal rhetoric. Written for Sopranos divided into two parts, with a prominent solo part representing ‘the Babe’, the vocal demands are advanced but accessible to confident singers. The imitative writing for the two parts creates tension while the organ part adds to the atmosphere with trills and flourishes.
The piece has been recorded by Sonoro, directed by Neil Ferris and can be accessed via YouTube or Spotify.
- ISMN: 9790570683277 (M570683277)