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Christo Paremus Cantica (1993) |
SATB a capella choir - 4'
Christo Paremus Cantica was commissioned by King’s College, Cambridge, for their world-famous Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols which is broadcast live to millions on Christmas Eve every year. The words are from the fifteenth century and can be found in the Oxford Book of Carols.
Carols are traditionally more vivacious and dance-like than hymns. The original tune to Christo Paremus Cantica is lost, and in setting the text, I was determined to bring to it typically joyful and lilting rhythms that would conjure up the spirit of old Medieval dances.
The refrain is simple, and in Latin, and returns between each of the verses. These, which are in English - they tell the "story" and therefore need to be understood by everyone - use more colourful, richer harmonies and more varied textures. The refrain returns in a more elaborate form at the end of the piece, and the carol ends quietly.
© Diana Burrell