Tomas Luis de Victoria (c. 1548–1611), Missa alme redemptoris Mater

Victoria was a chorister at Avila Cathedral and later studied in Rome, possibly even with Palestrina.  Later returning to Spain, he was chaplain to the sister of King Philip II, composing music for all the Spanish royal chapels.  Such was the esteem in which he was held that he was able to travel widely in Europe, and at the time of his death he was perhaps the most celebrated composer of his generation.

Henry Purcell (1659–1695), Rejoice in the Lord alway

Purcell’s short life came to an unhappy end when, allegedly, his wife refused to let him into their house after he returned late one night from a tavern; spending the night outside, Purcell caught pneumonia and died a few days later.  Nonetheless Purcell’s achievements were remarkable, and during his life he revolutionised English theatre (essentially creating the distinctive genre of English opera) as well as church music.  Today’s anthem is a verse anthem, a work in which a group of soloists alternate with the full chorus.

Elizabeth Maconchy (1907–1994), There is no rose of such virtue

Maconchy studied at the Royal College of Music and in Prague, and scored numerous public and critical successes with large scale works performed at the Proms in the 1930s, though she considered the peak of her output to be her cycle of thirteen string quartets.  Today’s anthem is characterised by a folklike melody and light, dancing rhythms.

SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2024

Giovanni Croce (1557–1609), Missa sexti toni

Croce spent almost all his working life at St Mark’s, Venice, first as a member of the choir and eventually as maestro di cappella.  Perhaps more influential as a composer of madrigals than of sacred music, Croce usually composed in a florid, elaborate style: this mass is charmingly simple for the period.

Robert Lucas de Pearsall (1795–1856), In dulci jubilo

Pearsall was born in Bristol, though lived for most of the second half of his life at Wartensee Castle in Switzerland; he bought the castle in a ruinous condition, and gradually restored it over many years.  Pearsall began his career as a barrister but quickly gave it up in favour of the life of a gentlemen amateur of music, poetry, literature, and art.  Today’s anthem is probably his most famous composition, and it sets the well known Christmas tune in a skilful contrapuntal web.  Pearsall was also a noted scholar in heraldry and plainsong, and made accomplished translations of works such as William Tell and Faust.

Sir David Willcocks (1919–2015), Infant holy, infant lowly

Willcocks is most famous for his long association with the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge: for the numerous carols and descants he wrote for the choir, and for the broadcasts and recordings they undertook together.  Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the series of five ‘Carols for Choirs’ books, published between 1961 and 1987, for which he edited and arranged hundreds of carols and which are still used throughout the English speaking world.  Today’s anthem is taken from that very series.