Midwinter Songs

Choral and Solo Song with Piano from the American 20th Century, including music by Morten Lauridsen, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland and Randall Thompson

Morten Lauridsens five settings of the English poet and historical novelist Robert Graves, provide a striking and varied musical commentary on love and loss. Originally scored for piano and choral voices, Lauridsen later orchestrated the movements. It is his earlier and more intimate version that we use as the basis for our programme of 20th Century American music, performed in the 250th anniversary year of American Independence. In addition to the Midwinter Songs, we will also sing Lauridsens iconic setting of O Magnum Mysterium and music by American greats Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber and Randall Thompson.