I Sing of a Maiden

Notes

The text for “I Sing of a Maiden” comes from an anonymous 15th Century Middle English lyric poem about the Virgin Mary. The original manuscript is held in the British Library.

This setting reflects elements of the medieval through use of open fifths at the start and end and largely modal harmonies but with a distinctly twentieth century flavour to the harmonies. The choir frequently uses vocalisations in order to let the words be heard and whilst some of the harmony is complex it is always led by the individual vocal lines.

First performed by The Music Makers of London (dir. Hilary Campbell) in December 2016 it was the winner of the Nick Edwards prize at its premiere.