I Syng of a Mayden

Description

Joyful, slightly dreamy setting of the 15th-century Middle English lyric I syng of a mayden þat is makeles…, celebrating the Annunciation and birth of Jesus. Although mostly lyrical, with predominantly conjunct melodic movement and phrasing derived from natural speech rhythms, this is nonetheless a challenging piece with lots of rich, crunchy harmonies, tricky Middle English pronunciation, occasionally difficult rhythms, and some complex polyphony;  – including sections with fully independent divided sopranos, altos, and tenors – stretching to the full extent of choral soprano and bass registers. It is suitable for professional and advanced student choirs, as well as leisure-time groups with a thirst for adventure and excellent score-reading ability.

The Crucial Info

Forces: SSAATTB (substantial divisi)
Duration: c. 4′
Difficulty: advanced
Occasions: Christmas, Feast of the Annunciation
Text: Anon, 15th century (British Library MS Sloane 2593)
Date of composition: 2015; revised 2018
Premiere: Reading Choral Society (dir. Graham Bier), USA
Other performances: ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ service, 2018, Bryn Athyn Cathedral Choir (dir. Graham Bier), USA

Listen

Midi demo (no one likes midi, but it’s better than nothing):

Perusal Score

DOWNLOAD PERUSAL COPY HERE

Text

I syng of a mayden
þat is makeles,
kyng of alle kynges
to here sone che ches.		 I sing of a maiden
That is matchless,
King of all kings
For her son she chose.
He came also stylle
þer his moder was
as dew in aprylle,
þat fallyt on þe gras.		 He came as still
Where his mother was
As dew in April
That falls on the grass.
He cam also stylle
to his moderes bowr
as dew in aprille,
þat fallyt on þe flour.		 He came as still
To his mother’s bower
As dew in April
That falls on the flower.
He cam also stylle
þer his moder lay
as dew in Aprille,
þat fallyt on þe spray.;		 He came as still
Where his mother lay
As dew in April
That falls on the spray.
Moder & mayden
was neuer non but che –
wel may swych a lady
Godes moder be.		 Mother and maiden
There was never, ever one but she;
Well may such a lady
God’s mother be.

Please contact Stef for more information and/or a license to perform this piece.