Edward Elgar’s “A Christmas Greeting”: Hereford Cathedral 1978 (Roy Massey)

Описание: As far as we know, this is the only live recording of one of Elgar's least-known works. From a BBC radio programme entitled “Reflections in Words and Music”, which was recorded in 1978 and eventually broadcast on 25 April 1980.

“A Christmas Greeting” is Elgar’s Opus 52. It was written in 1907, while Elgar was in Rome, for the carol concert given by the Hereford Cathedral choristers on 1 January 1908 in Hereford Town Hall.

According to the Hereford Times of 4 January 1908, the promise of a new work by Elgar caused an unusually high turnout. “The concert given in the Hereford Townhall on Wednesday evening was an artistic triumph, and […] the record attendance is explained by the fact that a new composition by Sir Edward and Lady Elgar was down for performance. The great musician and his wife, by residence and innumerable kindly thoughts and acts on behalf of the people of Hereford, have endeared themselves greatly to all classes. The composition entitled ‘A Christmas Greeting’ was posted to Hereford from Rome, where Sir Edward and his wife are resting, after somewhat strenuous times. It is dedicated to Dr. Sinclair and his choristers, a mark of recognition totally unexpected, and therefore all the more acceptable.” [http://www.elgar.org/3church.htm] The words were written by Elgar’s wife, Caroline Alice.

Bowered on sloping hillsides rise
In sunny glow, the purpling vine;
Beneath the greyer English skies,
In fair array, the red-gold apples shine.
To those in snow,
To those in sun,
Love is but one;
Hearts beat and glow,
By oak or palm.
Friends, in storm or calm.

On and on old Tiber speeds,
Dark with the weight of ancient crime;
Far north, thr' green and quiet meads,
Flows on the Wye in mist and silv'ring rime.
To those in snow,
To those in sun,
Love is but one;
Hearts beat and glow,
By oak or palm.
Friends, in storm or calm.

The pifferari wander far,
They seek the shrines, and hymn the peace
Which herald angels, 'neath the star,
Foretold to shepherds, bidding strife to cease.

Our England sleeps in shroud of snow,
Bells, sadly sweet, knell life's swift flight,
And tears, unbid, are wont to flow,
As "Noël! Noël!" sounds across the night.
To those in snow,
To those in sun,
Love is but one!
Hearts beat and glow,
By oak or palm.
Friends, in storm or calm.