SKU: HL.48021234

ISBN 9781458423542. UPC: 884088642037. 6.75x10.5 inches.

Text: in Latin compiled from the charter of the University, and from older orations in praise of Basle by Bernhard Wyss.

Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes

Difficulty level: 4 (for chorus)

Britten's genius lifts this work above being just a worthy celebration of the 500th anniversary of the foundation of Basle University. It is tongue-in-cheek and mockingly non-academic while referring all the time to academic musical forms and formulae. It is written in two parts (everything is in the statutory Latin including the titles of the parts - Pars I and Pars II). The titles of the movements show Britten's intention to show off a wide variety of techniques. Here are some examples: Chorale/Alla Rovescio (the theme is given and responded to with the same melody upside down)/Recitativo/Tema seriale con fuga/Canone ed ostinato. There is a good deal of humour here.

There are seven movements in Pars I and six in Pars II. The tenor soloist is given three florid recitatives, accompanied only by a piano, which act as bridges between other orchestrally accompanied movements. Of these the most noteworthy are the Arioso con canto popolare for soprano solo with tenors and basses who hum a student song; another terrific Britten scherzo; and a wonderfully raucous final pair of movements (Canon ed ostinato and Corale con canto) where Britten seems to be aping the Vivat Regina! cries in Parry's I was glad or encouraging the kind of noisy 'I'm from the best university' kind of student touchline shout. This has outrageously high notes for the tenors (top B) which further endorse this feeling. There are real echoes of the Spring Symphony (see separate entry) final movement here which are further underlined by the last section of the Cantata which brings in the bells, piano, huge percussion and the inevitable chorale in which the choir sings 'that a free academy may thrive in a free community, for ever the ornament and treasure of illustrious Basle'.

This may not be Britten at his most soul-searching but, as always, there is plenty here to enjoy, especially if the work is not taken too seriously. It is a celebratory, occasional piece and it could be well taken up by other academic establishments celebrating big anniversaries. The chorus parts are not very difficult, though they do present challenges for the choir - not least in having tenors capable of those very high notes at the end. The Tema seriale con fuga is sinewy and needs careful tuning. It also has the subject regularly given upside down after its initial sounding by the basses. All good fun.

Duration: 21 minutes

Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011.

SKU: LP.765762160309

UPC: 765762160309.

Christmas Mosaic is a touching musical portrait of the very essence of Christmas the wonder of Christ's incarnation the mystery of His being expressed in song. These arrangements beautifully tie together recognizable music that spans generations (even centuries) and express the broad spectrum of moods we all feel at Christmas...a holy hush moments of quiet introspection jubilant praise and full-voiced celebration From the stately opening proclamation found in the Fanfare for the Messiah to the soaring melody of O Come O Come Emmanuel the audience is reminded of the dark days of anguish for ancient Israel which ended with birth of the Messiah. The work continues with the beautiful standard Come Thou Long-expected Jesus building into a celebratory choral proclamation followed by the soft refrains of Of the Father's Love Begotten . Culminating in a wonderful worship medley of Come Celebrate Jesus with Joy to the World this work is sure to become a congregational favorite. Masterfully arranged and orchestrated by Marty Parks this 40-minute Advent and Christmas presentation is perfect for the small or medium-sized choir! Additional songs featured include: O Little Town of Bethlehem; Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring; Emmanuel God with Us; How Great Our Joy! and many others. The format usefulness and flexibility provides you with several unique programming options for your use including: Choose to use the book as a collection for Sunday Worship during Advent and throughout the Christmas season. The songs may be used individually as you program a concert pageant or a Singing Christmas Tree. A Christmas Eve service is available that includes several choral settings So here it is--a mosaic of the sounds colors emotions and moods of Christmas tha any choir can present confidently.