AN OLD CAROL

The English composer Roger Quilter (1877-1953) is mainly known for his songs. In fact, his songs proved so popular in the early decades of the 20th century that he was rarely moved to write in any other genre.

An Old Carol – arranged here – is the third of Quilter’s Six Songs Op. 25 for voice and piano and dates from 1923. It is his setting of I sing of a maiden (sometimes called As dew in April) – a Middle English devotional lyric of the early 15th century celebrating the Annunciation and the Virgin Birth of Jesus. It is a little gem of a Christmas carol – wistful music of great tenderness and intimate expression.

The song is dedicated to Constance Wathen, who was likely related to Katherine (Kitty) Wathen, an old friend of Quilter’s mother.

It was sung at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve 2023. The choir also included the carol on their 2021 Christmas Carols from King’s CD.

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