Music

MUSIC SAMPLES

Samples of the Choir’s work can be heard by clicking the links below:

      Crossing the Bar

Crossing the Bar: This is a superb new piece written specifically for MVC performance by our Musical Director, Ian Assersohn. Ian composed “Crossing the Bar” from Tennyson’s late and reflective poem of that name, encapsulating the Poet Laureate’s sense that his own life had not long to run. Ian’s composition won the first prize in the 2014 biennial Composers’ Competition of the Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival. the Choir will give this piece its full choral worldwide premiere at Truro Cathedral at the Opening International Gala Concert of the 2015 Festival in Truro Cathedral on 30 April.

The poem which Tennyson hoped would close all volumes of his poetry, ‘Crossing the Bar’ was written in October 1889 while he was crossing the Solent. He explained to his son the same evening that ‘it came in a moment’. Tennyson’s gift for natural observation is again apparent, as he tells how the full tide makes no noise and ‘seems asleep’, almost motionless. “But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.”

 

      It's a Long Way to Tipperary

It’s a Long Way to Tipperary: Originally a British music hall song written by Jack Judge – allegedly written for a 5 shilling bet in 1912 and performed the next night at the local music hall. It became hugely popular among soldiers in the First World War and is performed by the Choir in a new arrangement by Ian Assersohn as part of our contribution to the Centenary commemorations of the 1914-18 conflict.

 

      Gwahoddiad

Gwahoddiad: A standard in the Welsh male voice repertoire, which the Choir has performed many times. Originally the English-language gospel song “I Am Coming, Lord”, written in 1872 by the American Methodist minister and gospel songwriter Lewis Hartsough. The Welsh version Gwahoddiad was translated by Methodist minister Ieuan Gwyllt, and has become so well known in Wales that, despite its American origin, many people believe it to be an indigenously Welsh hymn.

 

      I Want to Go Home

I Want to Go Home: Another traditional melody which became a favourite song of the British troops in WW1 and appears in a memorable scene in the stage and film musical “Oh What a Lovely War!”. Here in an arrangement by Ian Assersohn as another component of the Choir’s Centenary commemoration repertoire.