Composer

:

William Mathias

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

1:56

The "Wassail Carol" is a choral work composed by Welsh composer William Mathias in 1967. The piece was premiered in the same year by the BBC Singers and has since become a popular Christmas carol. The "Wassail Carol" is a four-movement work that features a mix of traditional English carols and original music by Mathias. The first movement, "Wassail!," is a lively and festive piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement, "Lullay, Thou Little Tiny Child," is a gentle and tender lullaby that features a solo soprano voice. The third movement, "The Seven Joys of Mary," is a joyful and celebratory piece that recounts the seven joys of the Virgin Mary. The final movement, "As with Gladness Men of Old," is a triumphant and uplifting piece that brings the work to a close. The "Wassail Carol" is characterized by its use of traditional English carols and folk melodies, which are combined with Mathias's own original music. The work features rich harmonies, lush choral textures, and a variety of vocal techniques, including solo voices, unison singing, and choral antiphony. The piece is also notable for its use of percussion instruments, including tambourine, triangle, and handbells, which add to the festive and celebratory atmosphere of the work. Overall, the "Wassail Carol" is a joyful and uplifting choral work that has become a beloved Christmas carol. Its mix of traditional and original music, rich harmonies, and festive instrumentation make it a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike.

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