M060014499 - Hymn to St. Cecilia op 27 Default title

Hymn to St. Cecilia op 27

9781458423566 brand: Boosey & Hawkes
ISBN: 9781458423566, Stock code: M060014499 new
This work had a long gestation as Britten had problems finding a suitable text. Auden was eventually asked and produced the poem in 1940. Britten's setting was immediately recognised... Read more
£14.9914.99
RRP £14.99
  • £13.49 when you buy 10+
  • £13.12 when you buy 20+
Available to order
ETA 4-5 days.
We usually receive stock in the expected timeframe but this can take longer for more specialist items or at busy times of year.

When you place an order, we will contact our suppliers and notify you via email with a more accurate estimate.

If your order is urgent please contact us before checkout to make sure that we can meet your deadline.
Add to basket
  • Info Full description
Info Full description

More about this title

Hymn to St. Cecilia op 27

This work had a long gestation as Britten had problems finding a suitable text. Auden was eventually asked and produced the poem in 1940. Britten's setting was immediately recognised as a major addition to the choral repertory and has since become one of his most enduringly popular choral works. It is a nice coincidence that Britten was born on St. Cecilia's day (22 November). Cecilia is, of course, the Patron Saint of musicians who is supposed to have sung praises to God as she was being martyred. The story of her manner of death makes gruesome reading and the act of singing in extremis something of a miracle!Britten responds to Auden's extraordinary imagery with relish. The poem's division into three 'movements' gives Britten his musical structure, and the provision of a refrain ('Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions to all musicians, appear and inspire...') gives a point of reference marking the end of each section, and of the work. The three 'movements' are completely different from each other.This is a challenging work which should not be undertaken lightly. It needs sympathetic and careful preparation, understanding of the words, a readiness to accept the issues raised by the speed of the 'scherzo' movement and an ability to maintain pitch over this time-scale so that the very low notes at the end of the work are not made even lower through a general flattening. Having said all this, it is perfectly approachable by an amateur choir of reasonable attainment providing that enough rehearsal time is allowed for its preparation. The choir also needs to be able to field five confident soloists. Short as the solos are (except for the first soprano one which is more extended and different from the subsequent ones) they present issues which can test a less-confident singer.The hard work is always worth it as a successful performance of this work is rewarding and memorable.- Paul Spicer -060014499 | Britten Benjamin | Britten Benjamin 



Research services tailored to your needs

We are always prepared to go the extra mile - from researching different themes, to sourcing difficult to find series and editions, all you have to do is ask!

There's no substitute for experience

With decades of combined experience in the industry, our team can find the exact piece of sheet music you need in whatever quantity you require.

Sheet music services

Holly Baker specialises in tracking down even the trickiest-to-find scores and parts. For a dedicated personal service, please contact Holly, who is available in person on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays:

Telephone (01428) 647592 Email holly@
chamberlainmusic.com
Star Reviews