The Ivy and the Holly is a superb collection of carols and motets for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by contemporary composers. Scored for mixed voices – a cappella and with organ – the anthology embraces a range of styles and sonorities. Here are plainchant lines, lilting melodies, and overlapping phrases; lively, energetic settings and soft, reflective ones; dancing rhythms and rich, sumptuous harmonies. Encompassing a variety of texts, with settings of medieval English verse and biblical passages alongside poems by celebrated writers, this collection will be welcomed by concert and church choirs alike.

 

Table of Contents:

Kerry Andrew: The Contest of the Ivy and the Holly Basil Athanasiadis: Antiphon to Mary Alan Bullard: And all the stars looked down Richard Causton: Cradle Song Bob Chilcott: The Shepherd’s Carol Michael Finnissy: Telling Gabriel Jackson: The Magi Cecilia McDowall: Now may we singen Terry Mann: Gabriel fram Hevene-King Joseph Phibbs: St Margaret’s Carol Francis Pott: Mary’s Carol John Rutter: Dormi, Jesu Howard Skempton: Rejoice, rejoice Andrew Smith: Veni, redemptor gentium

Antiphon to Mary (choir & organ)

ANTIPHON TO MARY (2007) for choir & organ. Duration: 4 minutes
1134