February 23 marks the 100th Anniversary to the day of the first performance of the complete Songs of Farewell in the Chapel of Exeter College. Parry set the texts of the Bible and of distinguished British writers to music during the First World War, one which he never saw the end; he died just over a month before the Armistice. The theme of the programme reflects remembrance and solemnity, but also explores that which may be beyond death and the promise of life. Allegri's Miserere sets Psalm 51, a cry for mercy, in the form of a Falsobordone Responsory, and has become one of the most loved works by the composer, famed for the virtuostic solo quartet.
The Choir of Exeter College, Oxford, remains the only choir in either Oxford or Cambridge to sing three Evensongs a week under the sole direction of the Organ Scholar, and is widely regarded as one of the finest student ensembles in the country.
Programme
William Henry Harris | Faire is the Heaven
William Byrd | Rorate Caeli
Pablo Casals | O vos omnes
Charles Villiers Stanford | Beati quorum via
Gregorio Allegri | Misere mei, Deus
Michael Tippett | Deep River
INTERVAL
Charles Hubert Hastings Parry | Songs of Farewell
My soul, there is a country
I know my soul hath power
Never weather-beaten sail
There is an old belief
At the round earth’s imagined corners
Lord, let me know mine end
Exeter College Chapel Choir
James Short — Conductor
Tickets £23 (premium) £18 (unreserved) £5 (children) — call our box office on 07528 776625 or book online now!
Our premium tickets include a reserved seat (this differs per venue according to acoustic, but is usually 3–5 rows from the front, near the centre aisle), a programme, and a voucher for a drink which can be redeemed either before the concert or during the interval.