Orlando Lassus was born in Mons (Hainaut) in 1532 and died in Munich in 1594.  It was during his time as maestro di capella in Munich that Lassus wrote much of his liturgical music. The Missa Vinum bonum is a sunny piece, scored for double choir, with a beautiful Benedictus for upper voices and a lively Hosanna section.

Judith Weir (b. 1954), I love all beauteous things

Weir is one of Britain’s most important composers and is the first woman to service as Master of the King’s (formerly Queen’s) Music.  This setting of a Robert Bridges poem was commissioned by St Paul’s Cathedral to mark the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, and first performed at the National Service of Thanksgiving in 2016.  Today’s performance is part of the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music.

Text:

I love all beauteous things,
I seek and adore them;
God hath no better praise,
And man in his hasty days
Is honoured for them.

I too will something make
And joy in the making;
Altho’ to-morrow it seem
Like the empty words of a dream
Remembered on waking.

Edward Elgar (1857–1934), The Spirit of the Lord

Elgar was the most celebrated composer of his generation, and perhaps the first English composer of truly international reputation since Purcell.  Today’s anthem, the first movement of his 1903 oratorio The Apostles, demonstrates many of the musical qualities for which he was so renowned: a sombre nobility of expression, beguiling melodies, and mysterious and sometimes surprising harmonies.