Menu
Radio deeside christmas broadcast
Radio Deeside Christmas broadcast
Radio Deeside will broadcast a full-length Christmas programme "from Advent to Epiphany" with Ensemble 1677 on Christmas Day at 9am and 6pm. To listen, simply click on the "listen" button at either time.
Programme notes and track listing
[1] Creator of the stars of night – Plainsong
Soprano – Olivia Hunt
This traditional plainsong hymn talks of the coming of Christ, the son of a lowly Virgin.
[2] Remember o thou man – Ravenscroft, arranged by John Hosking
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Harpsichord – John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This early 17th century carol reminds us of the Old Testament promise of God sending his Son at Christmas to redeem the human race.
[3] Kyrie – Eberlin
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ John Hosking
In the church at the celebration of the Eucharist, the Kyrie (Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy) replaces the joyful text of the Gloria during Advent and Lent. This relatively unknown German setting from the early 18th century is scored for soprano and organ, with optional instrumental and extra vocal parts. It is unique for this period in not being scored for a full choir.
[4] “Une Vierge Pucelle” – Nicolas Lebègue
Organ – John Hosking
This work from 17th century France is based on a traditional French Noel, the translation of the title being “A virgin, young”. The composer asks for two varying sounds (or registrations) on the organ; the full mixture chorus which is lively and dance-like and then the trumpets and cornet to give a grander sound.
[5] Be not afraid – Schütz
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ – John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This aria comes from “The Christmas Story” by the German composer, Schütz. It speaks of the angels appearing in the fields to the Shepherds, telling them of the birth of the Christ child, but seeing they were frightened first saying “Be not afraid.”
[6] Angels from the realms of glory – William Matthews of Nottingham (late 18th/early 19th century)
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ – John Hosking; Recorder – Sarah Williams
A contrasting carol of the Shepherds from 18th century England. Folk-like in nature, it has a gentle lilting melody and would probably have been sung with improvised instrumental parts.
[7] Puer Natus – Gesius, arranged Praetorious and Hosking
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
A late 16th century carol from Germany, this dance-like carol is heard in a joint arrangement by Michael Praetorius and Ensemble 1677’s John Hosking. The text of the first verse translates as: A child is born in Bethlehem, alleluia. Exult for joy, Jerusalem, alleluia.
[8] Variations sur un Noel Bourguignon – André Fleury
Organ – John Hosking
This is a set of variations on a traditional French carol from Burgundy by 20th century organist André Fleury. Fleury was organist of Dijon and Versailles Cathedrals during his lifetime. The variations give a modern edge to the ancient carol tune, whilst harkening back to some older methods of organ writing such as the dialogue between “Cornet and Cromorne” and the final fugue.
[9] Gaudete! – anon
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Drum/Harpsichord – John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
Gaudete means “Rejoice” and the lively music with its syncopated rhythms does well to illustrate the text. This arrangement is a mixture of arrangements by various anonymous composers and features compositional techniques of the time including canon, harmonies in 4ths and 5ths (producing the rather regal sound) and instrumental interludes.
[10] Suo Gan – arranged by Malcolm Archer
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ – John Hosking; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This traditional Welsh lullaby is arranged with a new Christmas text by Malcolm Archer, the former organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
[11] What pow’r art thou (King Arthur) – Henry Purcell
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Harpsichord – John Hosking
Ensemble 1677 loves to have fun, and this secular excerpt from Purcells’ “King Arthur” talks about freezing [to death] in the cold weather. A very visual depiction of the cold, the singer repeats single syllables on repeated notes to give the illustration of literally shivering in the icy weather. This song is often nicknamed “The Freezing Song”.
[12] Magi videntes stellam – Agazzari
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This work dates from early 17th century Italy and is originally written for 3 voices. In this version, the soprano is supported by two instruments. It was the norm at this time for instrumental and vocal parts to be interchangeable and we adopt that principle in this performance. The text translates as:
The magi, seeing the star, said, each in turn: "This is the sign of a great king! Let us go and look for him and offer him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh." Alleluia.
[13] Toccata-Prelude on “Vom himmel hoch” – Edmundson
John Hosking – Organ
The programme concludes with a dazzling display of virtuosity on the organ, with the fast passage work for the hands symbolising a pealing of bells to celebrate Christmas. Thundering in the pedal in long sustained notes, we hear Martin Luther’s 16th century chorale melody, “Vom himmel hoch, da komm ich herr” – from Heaven above to earth I come.
Ensemble 1677 wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas.
The broadcast is now available to listen back via youtube:
[1] Creator of the stars of night – Plainsong
Soprano – Olivia Hunt
This traditional plainsong hymn talks of the coming of Christ, the son of a lowly Virgin.
[2] Remember o thou man – Ravenscroft, arranged by John Hosking
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Harpsichord – John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This early 17th century carol reminds us of the Old Testament promise of God sending his Son at Christmas to redeem the human race.
[3] Kyrie – Eberlin
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ John Hosking
In the church at the celebration of the Eucharist, the Kyrie (Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy) replaces the joyful text of the Gloria during Advent and Lent. This relatively unknown German setting from the early 18th century is scored for soprano and organ, with optional instrumental and extra vocal parts. It is unique for this period in not being scored for a full choir.
[4] “Une Vierge Pucelle” – Nicolas Lebègue
Organ – John Hosking
This work from 17th century France is based on a traditional French Noel, the translation of the title being “A virgin, young”. The composer asks for two varying sounds (or registrations) on the organ; the full mixture chorus which is lively and dance-like and then the trumpets and cornet to give a grander sound.
[5] Be not afraid – Schütz
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ – John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This aria comes from “The Christmas Story” by the German composer, Schütz. It speaks of the angels appearing in the fields to the Shepherds, telling them of the birth of the Christ child, but seeing they were frightened first saying “Be not afraid.”
[6] Angels from the realms of glory – William Matthews of Nottingham (late 18th/early 19th century)
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ – John Hosking; Recorder – Sarah Williams
A contrasting carol of the Shepherds from 18th century England. Folk-like in nature, it has a gentle lilting melody and would probably have been sung with improvised instrumental parts.
[7] Puer Natus – Gesius, arranged Praetorious and Hosking
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
A late 16th century carol from Germany, this dance-like carol is heard in a joint arrangement by Michael Praetorius and Ensemble 1677’s John Hosking. The text of the first verse translates as: A child is born in Bethlehem, alleluia. Exult for joy, Jerusalem, alleluia.
[8] Variations sur un Noel Bourguignon – André Fleury
Organ – John Hosking
This is a set of variations on a traditional French carol from Burgundy by 20th century organist André Fleury. Fleury was organist of Dijon and Versailles Cathedrals during his lifetime. The variations give a modern edge to the ancient carol tune, whilst harkening back to some older methods of organ writing such as the dialogue between “Cornet and Cromorne” and the final fugue.
[9] Gaudete! – anon
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Drum/Harpsichord – John Hosking; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
Gaudete means “Rejoice” and the lively music with its syncopated rhythms does well to illustrate the text. This arrangement is a mixture of arrangements by various anonymous composers and features compositional techniques of the time including canon, harmonies in 4ths and 5ths (producing the rather regal sound) and instrumental interludes.
[10] Suo Gan – arranged by Malcolm Archer
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Organ – John Hosking; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This traditional Welsh lullaby is arranged with a new Christmas text by Malcolm Archer, the former organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
[11] What pow’r art thou (King Arthur) – Henry Purcell
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Harpsichord – John Hosking
Ensemble 1677 loves to have fun, and this secular excerpt from Purcells’ “King Arthur” talks about freezing [to death] in the cold weather. A very visual depiction of the cold, the singer repeats single syllables on repeated notes to give the illustration of literally shivering in the icy weather. This song is often nicknamed “The Freezing Song”.
[12] Magi videntes stellam – Agazzari
Soprano – Olivia Hunt; Violin – Bethan Royles; Recorder – Sarah Williams
This work dates from early 17th century Italy and is originally written for 3 voices. In this version, the soprano is supported by two instruments. It was the norm at this time for instrumental and vocal parts to be interchangeable and we adopt that principle in this performance. The text translates as:
The magi, seeing the star, said, each in turn: "This is the sign of a great king! Let us go and look for him and offer him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh." Alleluia.
[13] Toccata-Prelude on “Vom himmel hoch” – Edmundson
John Hosking – Organ
The programme concludes with a dazzling display of virtuosity on the organ, with the fast passage work for the hands symbolising a pealing of bells to celebrate Christmas. Thundering in the pedal in long sustained notes, we hear Martin Luther’s 16th century chorale melody, “Vom himmel hoch, da komm ich herr” – from Heaven above to earth I come.
Ensemble 1677 wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas.
The broadcast is now available to listen back via youtube: