Avebury Vocal Ensemble at ChristChurch, Marlborough

ABOUT THE MUSIC 

The Songs of Farewell, dating from the early twentieth century, constitute one of Parry’s great masterpieces. Conscious of his own failing health and at the close of an illustrious career, they represent his final testament, delivered before his death in 1918. The six motets draw on a range of literary sources, Henry Vaughan, John Davies, Thomas Campion, John Donne (all sixteenth to seventeenth century), J G Lockhart (nineteenth century), and Psalm 39, and they are set in a kaleidoscope of differing musical styles. 

Our two supporting English composers enjoy birthdays at this time, Vaughan-Williams (12 October) and Howells (17 October). Both are renowned for their choral music, amongst much else, and we present here some of their unaccompanied works. Vaughan-Williams famously collected folk songs from around the country: we perform two of his folk-song settings together with the much-loved Linden Lea which was actually an original composition. He also wrote sets of songs based on Elizabethan texts and particularly on Shakespeare. Howells is best-known for his sacred choral music and for his organ music, and we will perform two of his ‘Carol-Anthems’: A Spotless Rose and Here is the Little Door. 

To keep us all safe, please remember the Covid protocols:  Where appropriate please wear a face covering and keep your distance: thank you!