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4174154
4174154
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4174154

A Hymn to the Virgin
(1930, rev. 1934) SATB Double Chorus a cappella
By Benjamin Britten

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/a-hymn-to-the-virgin-sheet-music/4174154?ac=1&aff_id=69435

SATB Double Chorus a cappella Choral (SSAATTBB A Cappella)
(1930, rev. 1934) SATB Double Chorus a cappella. Composed by Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). Boosey & Hawkes Sacred Choral. British, Classical, Contemporary, General Worship, Sacred. Octavo. 12 pages. Boosey & Hawkes #M060014512. Published by Boosey & Hawkes (HL.48008930).

Item Number: HL.48008930

ISBN 9781458424532. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches.

For unaccompanied SATB with solo or semi-chorus SATB quartet Text: anon (circa 1300) Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes Difficulty level: 2 As young as he was, aged only 16, Britten produced in this carol a tiny masterpiece. This is one of the most well-known and best-loved of his choral pieces. Understandably so, too. It has all the ingredients which make for a really satisfying choral experience. The use of a solo quartet or small semi-chorus, best placed at a distance, brings a dramatic element to the essential simplicity of the carol. The Latin responses of the semi-chorus to the medieval English words of the main chorus give these responses a further element of mystery which adds another layer of spiritual drama. The ratcheting up of the intensity in the final verse by increasing the tempo, by the ATB of the main chorus singing continuous rising phrases and by the sopranos singing a short phrase which is answered by the semi-chorus brings the piece to its climax. The final tranquillo page leads the carol to its conclusion in a mesmerizingly beautiful final phrase sung by the semi-chorus. Care needs to be taken with the speed, the semi-chorus placing, and the creation of an atmosphere which demands attention from the listener. Speed: be careful to note Brittens marking of quaver (1/8th note) = 69-72. This is very slow indeed. Try it with a metronome. Many conductors perform this piece at crotchet (1/4 note) = 69! Frankly, I find the original speed too slow to make this piece flow. I see that when I recorded this with the Finzi Singers we made a tempo of crotchet = c50. Purists may be dismayed at this wilful ignoring of a composer's intentions (especially given the strictures outlined in the Preface to this Guide). I think if I were to re-record this now, I would choose a tempo of about quaver = 88. Note that for the quicker final verse Britten suggests a crotchet tempo. This means he did think about the issues of speed very carefully. Placing: Some choirs choose to put the semi-chorus at the other end of the church, or in a gallery for dramatic effect. Directors, however, have to remember that while this might work in the first two verses, in the last verse the two groups sing together and have to balance to some degree. Thought should also be given to the fact that if the semi-chorus is placed at the other end of a church behind the audience, the audience sitting near the back will hear them more strongly than the main choir. It is best to place the semi-chorus behind the choir but still quite close, perhaps by the altar if the main choir is in the choirstalls, or just in front of the altar. Always make sure that the semi-chorus can see the conductor! Duration: 4 minutes Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011.

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  • Ratings + Reviews

  • 5

    Anonymous
    Location:
    Mississippi
    Difficulty Level:
    Intermediate
  • September 04, 2008 Haunting Beauty

    This piece is written to be sung with a small choir/quartet to echo the main choir in Latin. It is a very lovely piece of music.

    18 of 41 people found this review helpful.
    Was this review useful? Yes No
  • 5

    Anonymous
    Location:
    London UK
    Difficulty Level:
    Early intermediate
  • July 20, 2008 Doubly good

    This piece is relaively easy but requires 2 choirs. Pitching is also important for the minor 3rds. It is Britn at his best and a wonderful Christmas piece. The score is wel laid out and easy to read.

    24 of 44 people found this review helpful.
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