Blessed be that Maid Marie was premiered by the BBC Singers at St Giles’ Cripplegate and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 broadcast in December 2012. Blessed be that Maid Marie is essentially a traditional strophic carol. Whilst the choruses remain unchanged subtle melodic variants in each successive verse give the work a jaunty and bright dance-like character.

From three Marian carol arrangements written for Seraphic Fire. This carol first appeard in a collection of 15th-century tunes compiled by G.R. Woodward. The aeolian tonality gives the tune an earthiness and other-worldliness. Rhythmic and driving this will be a unique work on your Christmas program.