Because 2014 is the centenary of the start of the First World War . . .
On February 8th in St Mary’s Church, South St, Bridport, The New Elizabethan Singers will perform Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man; a Mass for Peace”. Written in 2000 and a favourite with Classic fm ever since, it is dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo crisis, and calls for peace by depicting the horrors of war. At the same time, it acknowledges the extraordinary courage of the individual soldiers involved.
Words are taken from a 15th century French folk song, the Islamic call to prayer, the Psalms, a sixth-century Sanskrit poem, the Christian Mass and a poem especially written for the Royal Armouries Museum. The music ranges from intense drama to deep peace.
The second piece is “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen. Written in 1997 in response to his mother’s death, the five movements are set to various Latin texts about light. It is a poignant, modern requiem rich in harmonies and lush haunting melodies.The piece is often compared to Brahms’ Requiem, also written after the death of the composer’s mother, but “without the 19th century guilt”—no Day of Judgement or gloom here, just generosity and radiance throughout.
Tickets (£12 but under 16’s free) will be available from Bridport Music and Goadsby Ltd, both in South Street.
For further information, please contact 07528 105977
