The Three Choirs Festival at 300 1. A Fortuitous and Friendly Proposal
The Three Choirs Festival at 300 Episode 1 of 5: A Fortuitous and Friendly Proposal
This week the subject of Composer of the Week is not one composer, not even a group of composers, but a remarkable, unique institution lying at the heart of British musical life - a place it has occupied for 300 years. The Three Choirs Festival, which takes place cyclically in the three cathedral cities of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, has an astonishing history that has nurtured the careers of many great British composers, including Elgar, Vaughan Williams and SS Wesley. The 'fortuitous and friendly proposal' emerged from a sermon by Thomas Bisse, Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral, whose proposal that the Cathedral choirs of the three cities should meet each year for musical enjoyment, and to raise alms for the widows and orphans of local clergy. That modest ambition has provided the seed from which one of the world's most historic music festivals has grown. This week Donald Macleod visits the three cities and talks to some of those who have been involved.
Today Donald meets Anthony Boden, author of a fascinating history of the festival; Dominic Jewel, Chief Executive; and Adrian Partington, Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral. Together they begin to weave together the strands of history, geography, and music that have created a legacy which continues to thrive to the present day.
00:01 Ralph Vaughan Williams 5 Mystical Songs For Baritone, Chorus And Orchestra Choir: Corydon Singers Orchestra: English Chamber Orchestra Conductor: Matthew Best
00:07 Henry Purcell Te Deum And Jubilate In D Major Z.232 For Ssaatb Soloists, Chorus And Orchestra Performer: Temple Choir And Players Performer: Greg Morris Performer: James Vivian
00:23 George Frideric Handel Samson - Thus when the sun from's wat'ry bed Singer: Mark Padmore Orchestra: The English Concert Conductor: Andrew Manze
00:31 James MacMillan Sun-Dogs For A Capella Choir - Sometimes, like Tobias Choir: Groot Omroepkoor Conductor: Celso Antunes
00:38 Felix Mendelssohn Elijah Op.70 - It is Enough Performer: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Singer: Bryn Terfel Conductor: Paul Daniel
00:46 Edward Elgar The Apostles Op.49 - concluding pages of The Ascension Singer: David Rendall Singer: Bryn Terfel Singer: Robert Lloyd Singer: Alison Hargan Choir: London Symphony Chorus Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Richard Hickox
First broadcast: 27 Jul 2015 (b063dgkb) http://vk.com/wall-71199334_94