Wenceslas

ISBN 10: 0193404761 ISBN 13: 9780193404762

Publisher: Oxford University Press Music, 2014

Synopsis

for mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus, and piano, orchestra, or brass ensemble The story of Good King Wenceslas on the Feast of Stephen is presented here as a vivid musical narrative, with solo parts for the characters of Wenceslas (baritone) and Page (mezzo-soprano). Chilcott sets new words by Charles Bennett to a colourful array of styles to recount their snow-bound story. The choir sets the scene before Wenceslas and Page meet in 'Who can that be?', and the story-telling continues in several contrasting movements, including a touching solo ballad from Page entitled 'Thank you' and the strong yet reflective closing movement, 'On St Stephen's Night'. The full five verses of the well-known carol are skilfully interwoven throughout the work in different parts, with the final verse being sung by the audience or a semi-chorus, and the movements are punctuated by an instrumental interlude and triumphant fanfare. An orchestral accompaniment is available on hire/rental.

About this title

About the Author

Bob Chilcott has been involved with choral music all his life, first as a Chorister and then a Choral Scholar at King's College, Cambridge. Later, he sang and composed music for 12 years with The King's Singers. His experiences with that group, his passionate commitment to young and amateur choirs, and his profound belief that music can unite people, have inspired him both to compose full-time and, through proactive workshopping, to promote choral music worldwide.

Review

Charles Bennett re-tells the Wenceslas story in verse . . . In addition, Chilcott works into the music a good number of references to the well-known carol tune. The piece is designed - and works - as an entertainment. Throughout, the music is accessible and attractive and I think that the instrumental accompaniment is highly effective. In places the music is extrovert but, pleasingly, a thoughtful tone is struck several times. That's especially true of the final movement which is, of course, a Happy Ending . . . The last movement is musically warm and contented while Bennett's words invite us to reflect upon a charitable, indeed life-saving, act on the part of the King. Earlier on there's a movement 'Thank you' . . . Yes, I admit, the music is on the sentimental side but Christmas is a season where sentiment has its place . . . * John Quinn, musicweb-international.com, October 2017 * I'm happy to report that the sheer goodwill of the whole enterprise wins the day. It is stylistically eclectic, but all within Chilcott's benevolent mastery, and the danger area - a sentimental ballad of thanks from the Page - really hits home . . . The first appearance of the famous carol tune is as a metrical countermelody to a punchy, syncopated choral texture, and it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck just reading through it . . . It's still a brilliant work: extremely accesssible, a joy for the performers, and, I can guarantee, fun for your audience - something I don't say very often. * Thomas Lydon, Music Teacher, September 15 *

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press Music
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0193404761
• ISBN 13: 9780193404762
• Binding: Sheet music
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 60