Metaphysical Songs
Programme Note
Metaphysical Songs consists of two settings of Christmas poems by the Welsh metaphysical poet Henry Vaughan.
Awake, Glad Heart! is a setting of the first half of ‘Christ’s Nativity’. It was originally conceived as a part of my oratorio Nativity, before I realised it works better as an independent piece. The opening section is characterised by the repeated and increasingly loud exclamations: ‘Awake!’. This is followed by a more light-hearted middle section before a rapturous return to the opening material.
The Shepherds is a setting of Henry Vaughan’s poem of the same name. The poem reflects on the shepherds’ adoration of Jesus in the humble surroundings of Bethlehem. The music is all based on a single drone which lasts for the whole duration of the piece, albeit with occasional changes of register. A repetitive melody is presented on top of the drone, and increasingly elaborate ornamentation is added over the course of the piece.
Performances
8th December 2023
The Choir of King’s College London, Joseph Fort
The College Chapel, King’s College London
Awake, Glad Heart!
7th December 2023
The Choir of King’s College London, Joseph Fort
The College Chapel, King’s College London
Awake, Glad Heart!
6th December 2023
The Choir of King’s College London, Joseph Fort
The College Chapel, King’s College London
Awake, Glad Heart!