This atmospheric setting of a plainsong melody is always popular at Christmas concerts, especially those given by Chester Bach Singers, for whom it was written. Other groups who have performed the carol include Chester Cathedral Choir, Sonoro and Southwell Festival Voices. The melody, sung by the medieval nuns of Chester, is a lullaby with a rocking refrain. The setting picks up this rocking movement through undulating patterns in the choir and organ background. There are some tricky counting moments for the choir, and the organist must hold their nerve as the choir and organ parts operate independently! The result is a reflective halo-like glow round the melody.
You can listen to it performed by Sonoro Choir here:
Or by the choir of Chester Cathedral here:
- ISMN: 9790570683246 (M570683246)