Three medieval lyrics
Karen P. Thomas
About this work:
Program note
Three Medieval Lyrics was commissioned by the Board of Directors of Seattle Pro Musica, in celebration of the choir’s 20th anniversary. They were premiered by Seattle Pro Musica and founding conductor Richard Sparks on March 13, 1993. The composition was also supported, in part, by a Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship and a Seattle Arts Commission Individual Artist Grant. In 1997 Three Medieval Lyrics was awarded second prize in the His Majestie's Clerkes Choral Composition Competition.
As the title implies, the texts for the three pieces are medieval lyric poetry – in this case, English lyric poetry. The first, "To Mistress Margaret Hussey," is by John Skelton (1460-1529). The second and third texts are anonymous – "Alnight by the rose" dates from the 14th century, and "Westron wind" from the mid-15th century. Each movement may be performed separately.
The work is dedicated to the musicians of Seattle Pro Musica.
Year composed: 1992
Duration: 00:10:00
Ensemble type: Chorus, with or without Solo Voices:Chorus, Unaccompanied
Instrumentation: 1 S, 1 A, 1 T, 1 B
Instrumentation notes: chor (SSAATTBB)