Wenceslas by Bob Chilcott
for mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus, and piano, orchestra, or brass ensemble The story of Good King Wenceslas on the Feast of Stephen is presented here as a vivid musical narrative, with solo parts for the characters of Wenceslas (baritone) and Page (mezzo-soprano). Chilcott sets new words by Charles Bennett to a colourful array of styles to recount their snow-bound story. The choir sets the scene before Wenceslas and Page meet in 'Who can that be?', and the story-telling continues in several contrasting movements, including a touching solo ballad from Page entitled 'Thank you' and the strong yet reflective closing movement, 'On St Stephen's Night'. The full five verses of the well-known carol are skilfully interwoven throughout the work in different parts, with the final verse being sung by the audience or a semi-chorus, and the movements are punctuated by an instrumental interlude and triumphant fanfare. An orchestral accompaniment is available on hire/rental.
I'm happy to report that the sheer goodwill of the whole enterprise wins the dayIt is stylistically eclectic, but all within Chilcott's benevolent mastery, and the danger area - a sentimental ballad of thanks from the Page - really hits home . . . The first appearance of the famous carol tune is as a metrical countermelody to a punchy, syncopated choral texture, and it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck just reading through it . . . It's still a brilliant work: extremely accesssible, a joy for the performers, and, I can guarantee, fun for your audience - something I don't say very often. * Thomas Lydon, Music Teacher, September 15 *
Charles Bennett re-tells the Wenceslas story in verse . . . In addition, Chilcott works into the music a good number of references to the well-known carol tune. The piece is designed - and works - as an entertainment. Throughout, the music is accessible and attractive and I think that the instrumental accompaniment is highly effective. In places the music is extrovert but, pleasingly, a thoughtful tone is struck several times. That's especially true of the final movement which is, of course, a Happy Ending . . . The last movement is musically warm and contented while Bennett's words invite us to reflect upon a charitable, indeed life-saving, act on the part of the King. Earlier on there's a movement 'Thank you' . . . Yes, I admit, the music is on the sentimental side but Christmas is a season where sentiment has its place . . . * John Quinn, musicweb-international.com, October 2017 *
Charles Bennett re-tells the Wenceslas story in verse . . . In addition, Chilcott works into the music a good number of references to the well-known carol tune. The piece is designed - and works - as an entertainment. Throughout, the music is accessible and attractive and I think that the instrumental accompaniment is highly effective. In places the music is extrovert but, pleasingly, a thoughtful tone is struck several times. That's especially true of the final movement which is, of course, a Happy Ending . . . The last movement is musically warm and contented while Bennett's words invite us to reflect upon a charitable, indeed life-saving, act on the part of the King. Earlier on there's a movement 'Thank you' . . . Yes, I admit, the music is on the sentimental side but Christmas is a season where sentiment has its place . . . * John Quinn, musicweb-international.com, October 2017 *
Bob Chilcott has become one of the world's most widely performed composers and arrangers of choral music. His compositional output reflects his wide taste in music styles and his commitment to writing music that is both singable and communicative. He has been involved in choral music most of his life he was a chorister and then a choral scholar in the choir of King's College, Cambridge, and was a member of the British vocal group The King's Singers for whom he made a number of popular arrangements of well-known songs from all genres. As well as being a full-time composer he is also a highly acclaimed choral conductor. He has been privileged to conduct many choirs all over the world. He is Principal Guest Conductor of The BBC Singers and in 2019 he was appointed Principal Conductor of Birmingham University Singers. His music has been widely recorded by many choirs and groups including The King's Singers, Tenebrae, and The BBC Singers.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780193404762 |
| ISBN 10 | 0193404761 |
| Title | Wenceslas |
| Author | Bob Chilcott |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Sheet music |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year published | 2014-12-04 |
| Number of pages | 60 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |