Clifton Festival: A Plainchant Legacy: Medieval to Modern

Embark on an enchanting musical odyssey from medieval to modern, delving into the mesmerising world of plainchant. This ancient art form of musical expression has left an indelible mark on countless composers throughout the centuries: the bedrock for the evolution of diverse styles and techniques.

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At the heart of this programme lie two masterful movements from Frank Martin’s virtuosic setting of the mass, alongside Duruflé’s ethereal Quatre motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, an exquisite testament to his genius. Also featured is music by John Tavener including his Song for Athene, which gained worldwide admiration after its performance at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

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Full programme

As one who has slept – John Tavener

O virtus sapientiae – Hildegard of Bingen

Kyrie from ‘Mass for Double Choir’ – Frank Martin

Ego flos campi – Clemens non Papa

Dum transisset sabbatum – John Taverner

Quatre motets sur des thèmes grégoriens – Maurice Duruflé

Song for Athene – Tavener

Agnus Dei from ‘Mass for Double Choir’ – Frank Martin

Hail, gladdening Light – Wood