Britten, A Ceremony of Carols

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) became one of England’s most notable composers in the years prior to World War II. He continued to hold a dominant position until his death. His most significant works include the operas Peter Grimes (1944) and Billy Budd (1951). His standing with the public received another major boost with his War Requiem (1961) written for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral.

He made major contributions to the English song repertoire and produced numerous choral works, many of them with sacred texts. Britten also had a particular interest in writing music for amateurs and children—music suitable for their skills but still challenging and musically satisfying.

A Ceremony of Carols is a cycle of Christmas songs taken from mostly anonymous Old English poetry of the 14th to 16th centuries. It was scored originally for treble voices and harp, although it is often performed in a four-voice, mixed choir version. Although a children’s chorus works well for the treble-voice version, its performance demands greater skill than an average amateur children’s chorus. You can find worthwhile recordings by professional women vocalist, but I think children’s voices convey the work’s atmosphere more successfully.

The work includes a sung plainchant procession and recession as bookends. In between are nine carols in a variety of styles, ranging from the rousing Wolcum Yole and Deo Gracias to the stark text painting of In Freezing Winter Night. These colorful and engaging carols are instantly appealing and may brighten your Christmas season.

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