I don't normally get excited by Christmas carols, but when I heard Peter Warlock's gorgeously lush arrangement of "Bethlehem Down" last year, I couldn't stop listening to it.
Here's a performance that Derek would surely approve of, by the University of Utah Singers:
Merry Christmas!
Lovely, thanks, and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteV. interesting link about Warlock, model for Maclintick in Casanova's Chinese Restaurant, esp. Mary Butts & the Crowley connection. Just reread Brideshead, noting that Anthony Blanche "had practised black art in Cefalû".
I listened to this and wept. Must be my age.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas, Steerforth!
Merry Xmas to you too. The laptop is now getting shut down and it's an afternoon of mindless TV for me.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the Warlock/Powell connection. Thanks Brett. I hope you've had an enjoyable Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMartin - your reaction proves that you are a discerning gentleman. I had the same reaction. Maybe we're just a couple of soppy dates, but I think it's sad when people are indifferent to something so beautiful.
Merry Christmas Jim - enjoy the telly.
If the Christmas season does nothing other than help us pause and breathe while we listen to music, then it will have been well worth while.
ReplyDeleteThere's room for music and literature still in this world.