Choral Music - Preston, S.: Gardner, J.: Robinson, C.: Hickox, R.: Warlock, P.: Ledger, P. (A Very English Christmas) (Tenebrae, N. Short)

1
I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In
Simon Preston
2.05
Soloists: Emilia Morton soprano, Christopher Watson tenor
15
I Sing of a Maiden
Arnold Bax
16
No Small Wonder
Paul Edwards
2.42
17
There Is No Rose
Jonathan Lane
2.39
18
Come Rock His Cradle
Richard Knight
4.27
4.19
There Is No Rose
Simon Preston
2.54
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
John Gardner
2.31
Love Came Down at Christmas
Richard Lloyd
2.32
Rejoice and Be Merry
Christopher Robinson
1.55
19
I Sing of a Maiden
Alec Redshaw
2.10
The Birds
Richard Hickox
1.55
20
Balulalow
John Gardner
2.37
Benedicamus Domino
Peter Warlock
1.21
21
Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn
Philip Radcliffe
2.01
Adam lay ybounden
Peter Warlock
1.20
I Saw a Fair Maiden
Peter Warlock
3.47
John Gardner
2.13
10
Balulalow
Peter Warlock
2.05
Soloist: Stephen Kennedy baritone
Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano
Soloist: Katie Trethewey soprano
Soloists: Grace Davidson soprano, Christopher Watson tenor

22
A Gallery Carol
Total Timing

11
As Dew in Aprylle
Peter Warlock
1.52
12
Adam lay ybounden
Philip Ledger
2.01
Simon Preston
3.49
Philip Ledger
2.16
Soloist: Nicholas Madden tenor

13
On Christmas Day
Soloist: Joanna Forbes LEstrange soprano
14
On Christmas Night
www.tenebrae-choir.com
55.35
Simon Preston
2.05
Soloists: Emilia Morton soprano, Christopher Watson tenor
15
I Sing of a Maiden
Arnold Bax
16
No Small Wonder
Paul Edwards
2.42
17
There Is No Rose
Jonathan Lane
2.39
18
Richard Knight
4.27
4.19
There Is No Rose
Simon Preston
2.54
John Gardner
2.31
Richard Lloyd
2.32
1.55
19
I Sing of a Maiden
Alec Redshaw
2.10
The Birds
Richard Hickox
1.55
20
Balulalow
John Gardner
2.37
Benedicamus Domino
Peter Warlock
1.21
21
Philip Radcliffe
2.01
Adam lay ybounden
Peter Warlock
1.20
I Saw a Fair Maiden
Peter Warlock
3.47
John Gardner
2.13
10
Balulalow
Peter Warlock
2.05
Soloist: Stephen Kennedy baritone
Soloist: Katie Trethewey soprano
Soloists: Grace Davidson soprano, Christopher Watson tenor

22
A Gallery Carol
Total Timing

11
As Dew in Aprylle
Peter Warlock
1.52
12
Adam lay ybounden
Philip Ledger
2.01
Simon Preston
3.49
Philip Ledger
2.16
Soloist: Nicholas Madden tenor

13
On Christmas Day
Soloist: Joanna Forbes LEstrange soprano
14
On Christmas Night
55.35
Introduction from Nigel Short
Love is always at the heart of the Christmas message

and it became clear to all of us involved with this
recording that all of the composers represented
had/have a deep felt love for both their subject
matter and the beautiful, transporting sound of
a fine choir. After I had come to London to study
in 1983, I started to meet and work for a variety
of people, some of whose names when uttered in
the company of anyone who has been involved
with our glorious heritage of Cathedral and
Church music were met with an almost reverential
affection. One such was Simon Preston, for whom
I have an enduring admiration and was fortunate
enough to sing for in the choir of Westminster
Abbey when I was just 20 years old. His music
making was incredibly exhilarating and perhaps
a little terrifying too, maybe that was part of the
excitement! In more recent years we have sadly lost
John Gardner, Philip Ledger and Richard Hickox. I
had the pleasure of singing for Richard as a soloist
on several occasions and was always struck by
his convivial manner, whilst managing to make
everyone realise they had to give him everything.
Christopher Robinson was Director of Music at
the other great shining beacon of choral music in
Cambridge, St Johns College, and is another whose
name will for ever be associated with English choral
music at its very best. All the other names on the
disc have played their part too in inspiring choirs
My love of Christmas music stems from my own

experience as a chorister, singing all the traditional
congregational carols, their descants, many new
arrangements of well-known tunes and of course
an ever increasing number of new compositions.
At a lunch with one of Tenebrae Patrons, Richard
Baker (himself a former chorister and choral
scholar at Kings College, Cambridge), a discussion
was taking place regarding repertoire for a future
Tenebrae recording. Rather rashly I said that having
already done two Christmas recordings, I wasnt
entirely sold on the notion of doing another one,
but Richard began asking me if I knew this or that
carol: the list seemed endless. I knew the names
of many of the composers and arrangers he was
mentioning, but some only as choir masters or
organists, not as composers. Eventually we decided
there was more than enough wonderful repertoire
that would provide a musical breath of fresh air
come Christmas time and also give us a chance
to herald the extraordinary talents of some of the
most dedicated and less well-known individuals
from the world of English choral music in the 20th
century, thus A Very English Christmas came to be.
the length and breadth of the country by either

providing beautiful music for choirs to sing
or by devoting themselves in some way to
choirs singing beautifully.
Singing this collection of Christmas music
was such a fun and rewarding experience and
together with my wonderful team of singers
who so positively embraced this project we
would like to thank Richard Baker who so
kindly supported this recording.
Nigel Short
Introduction from Nigel Short
Love is always at the heart of the Christmas message

and it became clear to all of us involved with this
recording that all of the composers represented
had/have a deep felt love for both their subject
matter and the beautiful, transporting sound of
a fine choir. After I had come to London to study
in 1983, I started to meet and work for a variety
of people, some of whose names when uttered in
the company of anyone who has been involved
with our glorious heritage of Cathedral and
Church music were met with an almost reverential
affection. One such was Simon Preston, for whom
I have an enduring admiration and was fortunate
enough to sing for in the choir of Westminster
Abbey when I was just 20 years old. His music
making was incredibly exhilarating and perhaps
a little terrifying too, maybe that was part of the
excitement! In more recent years we have sadly lost
John Gardner, Philip Ledger and Richard Hickox. I
had the pleasure of singing for Richard as a soloist
on several occasions and was always struck by
his convivial manner, whilst managing to make
everyone realise they had to give him everything.
Christopher Robinson was Director of Music at
the other great shining beacon of choral music in
Cambridge, St Johns College, and is another whose
name will for ever be associated with English choral
music at its very best. All the other names on the
disc have played their part too in inspiring choirs
My love of Christmas music stems from my own

experience as a chorister, singing all the traditional
congregational carols, their descants, many new
arrangements of well-known tunes and of course
an ever increasing number of new compositions.
At a lunch with one of Tenebrae Patrons, Richard
Baker (himself a former chorister and choral
scholar at Kings College, Cambridge), a discussion
was taking place regarding repertoire for a future
Tenebrae recording. Rather rashly I said that having
already done two Christmas recordings, I wasnt
entirely sold on the notion of doing another one,
but Richard began asking me if I knew this or that
carol: the list seemed endless. I knew the names
of many of the composers and arrangers he was
mentioning, but some only as choir masters or
organists, not as composers. Eventually we decided
there was more than enough wonderful repertoire
that would provide a musical breath of fresh air
come Christmas time and also give us a chance
to herald the extraordinary talents of some of the
most dedicated and less well-known individuals
from the world of English choral music in the 20th
century, thus A Very English Christmas came to be.
the length and breadth of the country by either

providing beautiful music for choirs to sing
or by devoting themselves in some way to
choirs singing beautifully.
Singing this collection of Christmas music
was such a fun and rewarding experience and
together with my wonderful team of singers
who so positively embraced this project we
would like to thank Richard Baker who so
kindly supported this recording.
Nigel Short
1. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston
And all the angels in Heaven shall sing,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
On Christmas day in the morning.
I saw three ships come sailing in

And all the souls on earth shall sing,

And what was in those ships all three?

Then let us all rejoice amain,

Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady,

The angels sungen the shepherds to:

Gloria in excelsis deo:
Gaudeamus.
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,

To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love ...
Leave we all this worldly mirth,

And follow we this joyful birth;
Transeamus.
Then afterwards baptized I was;

The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My Fathers voice heard from above,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing O my love ...
Alleluia, res miranda,

Pares forma, gaudeamus,
Transeamus.
Words: Anonymous
Words: Anonymous, c.1420
4. Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd
3. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner
Love came down at Christmas,

Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and Angels gave the sign.
Words: Anonymous, c.17th century
2. There Is No Rose Simon Preston

17. There Is No Rose Jonathan Lane
Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?

There is no rose of such virtue

As is the rose that bare Jesu;
Alleluia.
O, they sailed to Bethlehem,

For in this rose contained was

Heaven and earth in little space;
Res miranda.
And all the bells on earth shall ring,

By that rose we may well see

That he is God in persons three,
Pares forma.
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day:

I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love;
This have I done for my true love.
Worship we the Godhead,

Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Then was I born of a virgin pure,

Of her I took fleshly substance;
Thus was I knit to mans nature,
Sing O my love ...
Love shall be our token,

Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
In a manger laid and wrapped I was,

So very poor this was my chance,
Words: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
1. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston






The angels sungen the shepherds to:

Gloria in excelsis deo:
Gaudeamus.
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,

Sing O my love ...
Leave we all this worldly mirth,

And follow we this joyful birth;
Transeamus.
Then afterwards baptized I was;

The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My Fathers voice heard from above,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing O my love ...
Alleluia, res miranda,

Pares forma, gaudeamus,
Transeamus.
Words: Anonymous
Words: Anonymous, c.1420
4. Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd
3. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner
Love came down at Christmas,

Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and Angels gave the sign.
Words: Anonymous, c.17th century
2. There Is No Rose Simon Preston

17. There Is No Rose Jonathan Lane

There is no rose of such virtue

As is the rose that bare Jesu;
Alleluia.

For in this rose contained was

Heaven and earth in little space;
Res miranda.

By that rose we may well see

That he is God in persons three,
Pares forma.
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day:

I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love;
This have I done for my true love.
Worship we the Godhead,

Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Then was I born of a virgin pure,

Of her I took fleshly substance;
Thus was I knit to mans nature,
Sing O my love ...
Love shall be our token,

Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
In a manger laid and wrapped I was,

So very poor this was my chance,
Words: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
5. Rejoice and Be Merry Christopher Robinson

22. A Gallery Carol John Gardner
And when they were come,

they their treasures unfold,
And unto him offered
Myrrh, incense and gold.
So blessed for ever
Be Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises well sing!
Rejoice and be merry

in songs and in mirth!
O praise our Redeemer;
all mortals on earth!
For this is the birthday
of Jesus our King,
A dove settled down upon Nazareth,

Tsucroo,
And tenderly chanted with all his breath,
Tsucroo:
To you, he cooed, so good and true,
My beauty do I give to you
Tsucroo, Tsucroo, Tsucroo.
In hoc festo determino

Eya, nobis annus est!
Benedicamus Domino!
Gloria...
A boy comes forth,
Eya, this is our time,
From the womb of a virgin.
Glory! Praise!
God is made man and immortal.
Words: Percy Dearmer (1867-1936)

Words: Anonymous
7. Benedicamus Domino Peter Warlock

6. The Birds Richard Hickox
A heavenly vision
Appeared in the sky;
Vast numbers of angels
The shepherds did spy,
Proclaiming the birthday
of Jesus our King,
From out of a wood did a cuckoo fly,

Cuckoo,
He came to a manger with joyful cry,
Cuckoo;
He hopped, he curtsied, round he flew,
And loud his jubilation grew,
Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo.
A pigeon flew over to Galilee,
Vrercroo,
He strutted, and cooed, and was full of glee,
Vrercroo,
And showed with jewelled wings unfurled,
His joy that Christ was in the world,
Vrercroo, Vrercroo, Vrercroo.
Likewise a bright star

In the sky did appear,
Which led the wise men
From the East to draw near;
They found the Messiah,
Sweet Jesus our King,
Without the seed of a man

He is born of a virgin.
Glory! ...
Procedenti puero
Virginis ex utero
Gloria! Laudes!
Deus homo factus est et immortalis.
Without the means of a man,

He is born of Mary
Glory! ...
Sine viri semine

Natus est de virgine
Gloria...
On this appointed feast,

Let us bless the Lord.
Glory! ...
Sine viri copia

Natus est ex Maria
Gloria...
Words: Latin Mass
5. Rejoice and Be Merry Christopher Robinson

22. A Gallery Carol John Gardner
And when they were come,

they their treasures unfold,
And unto him offered
Myrrh, incense and gold.
So blessed for ever
Be Jesus our King,
Rejoice and be merry

in songs and in mirth!
O praise our Redeemer;
all mortals on earth!
For this is the birthday
of Jesus our King,
A dove settled down upon Nazareth,

Tsucroo,
And tenderly chanted with all his breath,
Tsucroo:
To you, he cooed, so good and true,
My beauty do I give to you
Tsucroo, Tsucroo, Tsucroo.
In hoc festo determino

Benedicamus Domino!
Gloria...
A boy comes forth,
From the womb of a virgin.
Glory! Praise!
God is made man and immortal.
Words: Percy Dearmer (1867-1936)

Words: Anonymous
7. Benedicamus Domino Peter Warlock

6. The Birds Richard Hickox
A heavenly vision
Appeared in the sky;
Vast numbers of angels
The shepherds did spy,
Proclaiming the birthday
of Jesus our King,
From out of a wood did a cuckoo fly,

Cuckoo,
He came to a manger with joyful cry,
Cuckoo;
He hopped, he curtsied, round he flew,
And loud his jubilation grew,
Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo.
A pigeon flew over to Galilee,
Vrercroo,
He strutted, and cooed, and was full of glee,
Vrercroo,
And showed with jewelled wings unfurled,
His joy that Christ was in the world,
Vrercroo, Vrercroo, Vrercroo.
Likewise a bright star

In the sky did appear,
Which led the wise men
From the East to draw near;
They found the Messiah,
Sweet Jesus our King,
Without the seed of a man

He is born of a virgin.
Glory! ...
Procedenti puero
Virginis ex utero
Gloria! Laudes!
Deus homo factus est et immortalis.
Without the means of a man,

He is born of Mary
Glory! ...
Sine viri semine

Natus est de virgine
Gloria...
On this appointed feast,

Let us bless the Lord.
Glory! ...
Sine viri copia

Natus est ex Maria
Gloria...
Words: Latin Mass
8. Adam lay ybounden Peter Warlock

12. Adam lay ybounden Philip Ledger
Adam lay ybounden,
Bounden in a bond;
Four thousand winter,
Thought he not too long.
And all was for an apple,
An apple that he took.
As clerkes finden,
Written in their book.
9. I Saw a Fair Maiden Peter Warlock
10. As Dew in Aprylle Peter Warlock
I saw a fair maiden sitten and sing,

She lulled a little child, a sweet lording.
Lullay, mine liking, my dear son, my sweeting,
Lullay, my dear heart, mine own dear darling.
I syng of a mayden
That is makeles,
King of alle kynges
To here sone che ches.
That same lord is He that made all thing,

Of all lordis He is lord, of all kings king.
Lullay, mine liking ...
He cam al so stylle
Ther his moder was,
As dew in Aprylle
That fallyt on the gras.
There was mickle melody at that childs birth,

All that were in Heavens bliss they made mickle
mirth.
Ne had the apple taken been,

The apple taken been,
Ne had never our ladie,
Abeen heavne queen.
Angelys bright they sung that night and saiden to

that child:
Blessed be thou and so be she that is both meek
and mild.
Blessed be the time

That apple taken was,
Therefore we moun singen.
Deo gratias!
Pray we now to that Child, and to His mother dear,

Grant them His blessing that now maken cheer,
Words: Anonymous, 15th Century
11. Balulalow Peter Warlock

20. Balulalow John Gardner
O my dear hert, young Jesus sweet,
Prepare thy creddil in my spreit,
And I sall rock thee in my hert
And never mair from thee depert.
But I sall praise thee evermore
With sangis sweet unto thy glor:
The knees of my hert sall I bow,
And sing that richt Balulalow.
He cam al so stylle
To his moderes bowr
As dew in Aprille
That fallyt on the flour.
Words: Attrib. James, John & Robert Wedderburn, c.1567
13. On Christmas Day Simon Preston
He cam al so stylle
Ther his moder lay
As dew in Aprille
That fallyt on the spray.
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy;

Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;
Now beginning, and alway:
Now begin, on Christmas day.
Moder and maydyn

Was never non but che;
Wel may swych a lady
Godes moder be.
Moonless darkness stands between.

Past, the Past, no more be seen!
But the Bethlehem-star may lead me
To the sight of Him Who freed me
From the self that I have been.

Words: Anonymous, Sloane Manuscript, c.1450
10
11
8. Adam lay ybounden Peter Warlock

12. Adam lay ybounden Philip Ledger
Adam lay ybounden,
Bounden in a bond;
Four thousand winter,
Thought he not too long.
And all was for an apple,
An apple that he took.
As clerkes finden,
Written in their book.
9. I Saw a Fair Maiden Peter Warlock
10. As Dew in Aprylle Peter Warlock
I saw a fair maiden sitten and sing,

She lulled a little child, a sweet lording.
Lullay, mine liking, my dear son, my sweeting,
Lullay, my dear heart, mine own dear darling.
I syng of a mayden
That is makeles,
King of alle kynges
To here sone che ches.
That same lord is He that made all thing,

Of all lordis He is lord, of all kings king.
He cam al so stylle
Ther his moder was,
As dew in Aprylle
That fallyt on the gras.
There was mickle melody at that childs birth,

All that were in Heavens bliss they made mickle
mirth.
Ne had the apple taken been,

The apple taken been,
Ne had never our ladie,
Abeen heavne queen.
Angelys bright they sung that night and saiden to

that child:
Blessed be thou and so be she that is both meek
and mild.
Blessed be the time

That apple taken was,
Therefore we moun singen.
Deo gratias!
Pray we now to that Child, and to His mother dear,

Grant them His blessing that now maken cheer,
11. Balulalow Peter Warlock

20. Balulalow John Gardner
O my dear hert, young Jesus sweet,
Prepare thy creddil in my spreit,
And I sall rock thee in my hert
And never mair from thee depert.
But I sall praise thee evermore
With sangis sweet unto thy glor:
The knees of my hert sall I bow,
And sing that richt Balulalow.
He cam al so stylle
To his moderes bowr
As dew in Aprille
That fallyt on the flour.
Words: Attrib. James, John & Robert Wedderburn, c.1567
13. On Christmas Day Simon Preston
He cam al so stylle
Ther his moder lay
As dew in Aprille
That fallyt on the spray.

Moder and maydyn

Was never non but che;
Wel may swych a lady
Godes moder be.
Moonless darkness stands between.

Past, the Past, no more be seen!
But the Bethlehem-star may lead me
To the sight of Him Who freed me
From the self that I have been.

10
11

Mother and maiden

Was never none but she;
Well may such a lady
Gods mother be.
Words: Gerard Manley Hopkins (1884-1889)
All out of darkness we have light

Which made the angels sing this night;
Which made the angels sing this night:
Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and forevermore. Amen.
14. On Christmas Night Philip Ledger
Words: Anonymous
16. No Small Wonder Paul Edwards
On Christmas night all Christians sing,

To hear the news the angels bring;
To hear the news the angels bring:
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our merciful kings birth.
15. I Sing of a Maiden Arnold Bax

19. I Sing of a Maiden Alec Redshaw
Small wonder the star.

small wonder the light,
the angels in chorus,
the shepherds in fright;
but stable and manger for God no small wonder!
I sing of a maiden
That is makeless;
King of all kings
To her son she ches.
Then why should men on earth be so sad,

Since our Redeemer made us glad:
When from our sin He set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.
He came all so still

Where his mother was,
As dew in April
That falleth on the grass.
To his mothers bower,
As dew in April
That falleth on the flower.
When sin departs before his grace,

Then life and health come in its place;
Angels and men with joy may sing,
All for to see the newborn king.

Where his mother lay,
As dew in April
That falleth on the spray.
12
18. Come Rock His Cradle Richard Knight

Come, rock His cradle lowly,
The throne of God all-holy;
Come worship and adore Him,
And kneel we down before Him.
Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.
And sing, for music-number

Will lull the Babe to slumber:
Your strain be sweet and airy,
Like that of blessed Mary.
Do nothing to annoy Him,
But everything to joy Him;
For sin, by night or morrow,
Would cause Him pain and sorrow.
Small wonder the kings,

small wonder they bore
the gold and the incense,
the myrrh to adore;
but God gives his life on a cross no small wonder!
So at your hour of dying,

This Babe, in cradle lying,
For He is King supernal
Shall give you rest eternal.
Small wonder the love,

small wonder the grace,
the power, the glory,
the light of his face;
but all to redeem my poor heart
no small wonder!
Words: Rev. George Ratcliffe Woodward (1843-1934)
Words: Paul Wigmore (1925-2014)
13

Mother and maiden

Was never none but she;
Well may such a lady
Gods mother be.
Words: Gerard Manley Hopkins (1884-1889)

Which made the angels sing this night;
Which made the angels sing this night:
Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and forevermore. Amen.
14. On Christmas Night Philip Ledger
Words: Anonymous
16. No Small Wonder Paul Edwards

To hear the news the angels bring;
To hear the news the angels bring:
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our merciful kings birth.
15. I Sing of a Maiden Arnold Bax

19. I Sing of a Maiden Alec Redshaw
Small wonder the star.

small wonder the light,
the angels in chorus,
the shepherds in fright;
but stable and manger for God no small wonder!
I sing of a maiden
That is makeless;
King of all kings
To her son she ches.

When from our sin He set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.

Where his mother was,
As dew in April
That falleth on the grass.
To his mothers bower,
As dew in April
That falleth on the flower.

Angels and men with joy may sing,
All for to see the newborn king.

Where his mother lay,
As dew in April
That falleth on the spray.
12
18. Come Rock His Cradle Richard Knight

Come, rock His cradle lowly,
The throne of God all-holy;
Come worship and adore Him,
And kneel we down before Him.
And sing, for music-number

Will lull the Babe to slumber:
Your strain be sweet and airy,
Like that of blessed Mary.
Do nothing to annoy Him,
But everything to joy Him;
For sin, by night or morrow,
Would cause Him pain and sorrow.
Small wonder the kings,

small wonder they bore
the gold and the incense,
the myrrh to adore;
but God gives his life on a cross no small wonder!
So at your hour of dying,

This Babe, in cradle lying,
For He is King supernal
Shall give you rest eternal.
Small wonder the love,

small wonder the grace,
the power, the glory,
the light of his face;
but all to redeem my poor heart
no small wonder!
Words: Rev. George Ratcliffe Woodward (1843-1934)
Words: Paul Wigmore (1925-2014)
13
21. Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn

Philip Radcliffe
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composers having worked with Judith Bingham,
Alexander Levine, Paul Mealor, Joby Talbot, Hilary
Tann, John Tavener and Will Todd, in addition to
upcoming releases with Ola Gjeilo and Alexander
LEstrange. Furthermore, the choir is renowned for its
highly-acclaimed interpretations of the choral canon
with repertoire ranging from the hauntingly
passionate works of Gesualdo and Victoria to the
beautiful choral masterpieces of Poulenc and Tavener.
Alongside A Very English Christmas, 2015 also sees
Tenebrae release a disc of Brahms and Bruckner
motets in benefit of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Described as phenomenal (The Times) and

devastatingly beautiful (Gramophone Magazine),
award-winning choir Tenebrae, under the direction
of Nigel Short, is one of the worlds finest vocal
ensembles renowned for its passion and precision.
Mary walked through a wood of thorn

Kyrie eleison.
Mary walked through a wood of thorn,
Which seven long years no leaf had borne;
Jesus and Mary.
As the first-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated

in the same category for the BBC Music Magazine
Awards (2012), Tenebraes recording of Victorias
Requiem Mass, 1605 secured the accolade for
Best Choral Performance. The choirs recording
of Faurs Requiem with the London Symphony
Orchestra was nominated for the Gramophone
Awards (2013), having been described as the very
best Faur Requiem on disc, so too was Mother of
Child (2003) for Choral Disc of the Year featuring
sacred music by living British composers. Tenebraes
ever-increasing discography has brought about
collaborations with Signum, Decca, Deutsche
Grammophon, EMI Classics, LSO Live and Warner
Classics, with the choirs recent recording of Russian
Orthodox music being launched on its own label,
Bene Arte, receiving glowing reviews and reaching
number 1 on the UK Classical Chart.
What bare Mary beneath her heart?

Kyrie eleison.
A little child without any smart
Mary bare beneath her heart,
Jesus and Mary.
Then roses sprang from out the thorn;
Kyrie eleison.
As the Christ child through the wood was born,
Roses sprang from out the thorn;
Jesus and Mary.
Words: Anonymous, Old German translated by E. Herborn
14
Tenebrae has performed at some of the worlds most

renowned festivals including the BBC Proms, City
of London Festival, Edinburgh International Festival
(UK) and Montreux Choral Festival (Switzerland).
In 2015 the choir will perform across the UK in
Guildford, Hexham, Lammermuir, London,
Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Sherborne, Stour and
Thaxted, as well as engagements throughout Europe
and a USA tour in the autumn.
Passion and Precision is Tenebraes motto, and
through its continued dedication to performance
of the highest quality, audiences around the
world experience the power and intimacy of the
human voice.
15
21. Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn

Philip Radcliffe
TENEBRAE
Tenebrae is dedicated to supporting contemporary

composers having worked with Judith Bingham,
Alexander Levine, Paul Mealor, Joby Talbot, Hilary
Tann, John Tavener and Will Todd, in addition to
upcoming releases with Ola Gjeilo and Alexander
LEstrange. Furthermore, the choir is renowned for its
highly-acclaimed interpretations of the choral canon
with repertoire ranging from the hauntingly
passionate works of Gesualdo and Victoria to the
beautiful choral masterpieces of Poulenc and Tavener.
Alongside A Very English Christmas, 2015 also sees
Tenebrae release a disc of Brahms and Bruckner
motets in benefit of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Described as phenomenal (The Times) and

devastatingly beautiful (Gramophone Magazine),
award-winning choir Tenebrae, under the direction
of Nigel Short, is one of the worlds finest vocal
ensembles renowned for its passion and precision.
Mary walked through a wood of thorn

Kyrie eleison.
Mary walked through a wood of thorn,
Which seven long years no leaf had borne;
Jesus and Mary.
As the first-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated

Awards (2012), Tenebraes recording of Victorias
Requiem Mass, 1605 secured the accolade for
Best Choral Performance. The choirs recording
of Faurs Requiem with the London Symphony
Orchestra was nominated for the Gramophone
Awards (2013), having been described as the very
best Faur Requiem on disc, so too was Mother of
Child (2003) for Choral Disc of the Year featuring
sacred music by living British composers. Tenebraes
ever-increasing discography has brought about
collaborations with Signum, Decca, Deutsche
Grammophon, EMI Classics, LSO Live and Warner
Classics, with the choirs recent recording of Russian
Orthodox music being launched on its own label,
Bene Arte, receiving glowing reviews and reaching
number 1 on the UK Classical Chart.
What bare Mary beneath her heart?

Kyrie eleison.
A little child without any smart
Mary bare beneath her heart,
Jesus and Mary.
Then roses sprang from out the thorn;
Kyrie eleison.
As the Christ child through the wood was born,
Roses sprang from out the thorn;
Jesus and Mary.
Words: Anonymous, Old German translated by E. Herborn
14
Tenebrae has performed at some of the worlds most

renowned festivals including the BBC Proms, City
of London Festival, Edinburgh International Festival
(UK) and Montreux Choral Festival (Switzerland).
In 2015 the choir will perform across the UK in
Guildford, Hexham, Lammermuir, London,
Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Sherborne, Stour and
Thaxted, as well as engagements throughout Europe
and a USA tour in the autumn.
Passion and Precision is Tenebraes motto, and
through its continued dedication to performance
of the highest quality, audiences around the
world experience the power and intimacy of the
human voice.
15
NIGEL SHORT
Award-winning conductor Nigel Short has built
up an enviable reputation for his recording and
live performance work with leading orchestras and
ensembles across the world.
A singer of great acclaim, Nigel was a member of
the world-renowned vocal ensemble The Kings
Singers from 19942000. Upon leaving the group,
he formed Tenebrae, a virtuosic choir that embraced
his dedication to passion and precision. Tenebrae
is the first-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated
Awards (2012), securing the accolade of Best Choral
Performance for the choirs recording of Victorias
Requiem Mass, 1605. Under his direction, Tenebrae
has enjoyed collaborations with orchestras and
instrumentalists of various musical genres and
now enjoys a reputation as one of the worlds
finest choral ensembles.
Awards (2013) having been described as

devastatingly beautiful... the very best Faur
Requiem on disc. Since then, he has conducted
the orchestra alongside Tenebrae for a sold-out
performance in St. Pauls Cathedral as part of the
City of London Festival (UK). Other orchestral
recordings include Mozarts Requiem and Ave
Verum Corpus with the Chamber Orchestra of
Europe and two discs of music by Will Todd
with the English Chamber Orchestra.
To date, Nigel has conducted the Aurora Orchestra,

Chamber Orchestra of Europe, English Chamber
Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble and,
for Baroque repertoire, The English Concert. He
has directed the London Symphony Orchestra
with Tenebrae in a live recording of Faurs Requiem,
which was nominated for the Gramophone
16
Nigel has conducted recordings for many of

the worlds major record labels including Decca
Records, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI Classics,
LSO Live, Signum and Warner Classics.
17
NIGEL SHORT
Award-winning conductor Nigel Short has built
up an enviable reputation for his recording and
live performance work with leading orchestras and
ensembles across the world.
A singer of great acclaim, Nigel was a member of
the world-renowned vocal ensemble The Kings
Singers from 19942000. Upon leaving the group,
he formed Tenebrae, a virtuosic choir that embraced
his dedication to passion and precision. Tenebrae
is the first-ever ensemble to be multi-nominated
Awards (2012), securing the accolade of Best Choral
Performance for the choirs recording of Victorias
Requiem Mass, 1605. Under his direction, Tenebrae
has enjoyed collaborations with orchestras and
instrumentalists of various musical genres and
now enjoys a reputation as one of the worlds
finest choral ensembles.
Awards (2013) having been described as

devastatingly beautiful... the very best Faur
Requiem on disc. Since then, he has conducted
the orchestra alongside Tenebrae for a sold-out
performance in St. Pauls Cathedral as part of the
City of London Festival (UK). Other orchestral
recordings include Mozarts Requiem and Ave
Verum Corpus with the Chamber Orchestra of
Europe and two discs of music by Will Todd
with the English Chamber Orchestra.
To date, Nigel has conducted the Aurora Orchestra,

Chamber Orchestra of Europe, English Chamber
Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble and,
for Baroque repertoire, The English Concert. He
has directed the London Symphony Orchestra
with Tenebrae in a live recording of Faurs Requiem,
which was nominated for the Gramophone
16
Nigel has conducted recordings for many of

the worlds major record labels including Decca
Records, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI Classics,
LSO Live, Signum and Warner Classics.
17
Recorded at the Church of St Augustine, Kilburn on 21-22 January 2015

Producer: Nicholas Parker
Balance Engineer: Andrew Mellor
Assisted by: George Pierson
Edited and Mastered: Andrew Mellor
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Nigel Short
SOPRANO
Grace Davidson
Joanna Forbes LEstrange
Emilia Morton A
Katie Trethewey
ALTO
Hannah Cooke A
Martha McLorinan
Eleanor Minney
TENOR
Benjamin Alden A
Nicholas Madden
Christopher Watson
BASS
Geoff Clapham A
James Holliday B
Greg Skidmore C
Simon Whiteley D
Stephen Kennedy
Richard Savage A
Special thanks to those who have contributed to the creation of this recording:
Richard Baker
Design and Artwork: Woven Design
www.wovendesign.co.uk
Photography: Chris ODonovan
www.chrisodonovan.com
2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.
P 2015 Tenebrae Records Ltd.
James Sherlock, Organ - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
A Performs on all works except for tracks 4, 12, 17, 19, 21
B Performs on tracks 4, 5, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21
C - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
D - Performs on tracks 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
18
19
Recorded at the Church of St Augustine, Kilburn on 21-22 January 2015

Producer: Nicholas Parker
Balance Engineer: Andrew Mellor
Assisted by: George Pierson
Edited and Mastered: Andrew Mellor
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Nigel Short
SOPRANO
Grace Davidson
Joanna Forbes LEstrange
Emilia Morton A
Katie Trethewey
ALTO
Hannah Cooke A
Martha McLorinan
Eleanor Minney
TENOR
Benjamin Alden A
Nicholas Madden
Christopher Watson
BASS
Geoff Clapham A
James Holliday B
Greg Skidmore C
Simon Whiteley D
Stephen Kennedy
Richard Savage A
Special thanks to those who have contributed to the creation of this recording:
Richard Baker
Design and Artwork: Woven Design
www.wovendesign.co.uk
Photography: Chris ODonovan
www.chrisodonovan.com
James Sherlock, Organ - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
A Performs on all works except for tracks 4, 12, 17, 19, 21
B Performs on tracks 4, 5, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21
C - Performs on tracks 1, 3, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
D - Performs on tracks 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
18
19
Tenebrae Nigel Short
Russian Treasures
Bene Arte SIGCD900 (2014)
Medieval Chant, Tallis Lamentations

Bene Arte SIGCD901
Tenebrae is current master of the Russian Sound

Classic FM
... the performance of Talliss Lamentations is

majestically dark and intense, displaying this groups
famous sensitivity toward musical structure, as well as
their exquisite harmonic control
BBC Music Magazine
CTP Template: CD_INL1

Compact Disc Back Inlay
COLOURS
CYAN
MAGENTA
YELLOW
BLACK
Customer: Tenebrae
Catalogue No.SIGCD902
SIGCD902
Job Title: A Very English Christmas
A Very English Christmas

1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Simon Preston
Simon Preston
John Gardner
Richard Lloyd
Richard Hickox
Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock
Philip Ledger
Simon Preston
Philip Ledger
Arnold Bax
Paul Edwards
Jonathan Lane
Richard Knight
Alec Redshaw
John Gardner
Philip Radcliffe
John Gardner
Total Timing
2.05
2.54
2.31
2.32
1.55
1.55
1.21
1.20
3.47
2.05
1.52
2.01
3.49
2.16
4.19
2.42
2.39
4.27
2.10
2.37
2.01
2.13
A VERY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS TENEBRAE / SHERLOCK / SHORT
A VERY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS TENEBRAE / SHERLOCK / SHORT

There Is No Rose
The Birds
Benedicamus Domino
Adam lay ybounden
I Saw a Fair Maiden
Balulalow
As Dew in Aprylle
Adam lay ybounden
On Christmas Day
On Christmas Night
I Sing of a Maiden
No Small Wonder
There Is No Rose
I Sing of a Maiden
Balulalow
A Gallery Carol
55.35
35212 09022
SIGCD902

Made in the EU / SIGCD902

Choral Music - Preston, S.: Gardner, J.: Robinson, C.: Hickox, R.: Warlock, P.: Ledger, P. (A Very English Christmas) (Tenebrae, N. Short)

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Choral Music - Preston, S.: Gardner, J.: Robinson, C.: Hickox, R.: Warlock, P.: Ledger, P. (A Very English Christmas) (Tenebrae, N. Short)

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1

I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In

Soloists: Emilia Morton soprano, Christopher Watson tenor

Come Rock His Cradle

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Love Came Down at Christmas

Rejoice and Be Merry

Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn

Adam lay ybounden

I Saw a Fair Maiden

Soloist: Stephen Kennedy baritone

Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano

Soloist: Katie Trethewey soprano

Soloists: Grace Davidson soprano, Christopher Watson tenor

Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano

Adam lay ybounden

Soloist: Nicholas Madden tenor

I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In

Soloists: Emilia Morton soprano, Christopher Watson tenor

Come Rock His Cradle

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Love Came Down at Christmas

Rejoice and Be Merry

Mary Walked Through a Wood of Thorn

Adam lay ybounden

I Saw a Fair Maiden

Soloist: Stephen Kennedy baritone

Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano

Soloist: Katie Trethewey soprano

Soloists: Grace Davidson soprano, Christopher Watson tenor

Soloist: Grace Davidson soprano

Adam lay ybounden

Soloist: Nicholas Madden tenor

Introduction from Nigel Short

Love is always at the heart of the Christmas message

My love of Christmas music stems from my own

the length and breadth of the country by either

Introduction from Nigel Short

Love is always at the heart of the Christmas message

My love of Christmas music stems from my own

the length and breadth of the country by either

1. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In Simon Preston

And all the angels in Heaven shall sing,

I saw three ships come sailing in

And all the souls on earth shall sing,

And what was in those ships all three?

Then let us all rejoice amain,

Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady,

The angels sungen the shepherds to:

Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,

Leave we all this worldly mirth,

Then afterwards baptized I was;

Alleluia, res miranda,

Words: Anonymous, c.1420

4. Love Came Down at Christmas Richard Lloyd

3. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner

Love came down at Christmas,

Words: Anonymous, c.17th century

2. There Is No Rose Simon Preston

Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?

There is no rose of such virtue

O, they sailed to Bethlehem,

For in this rose contained was