Song of the Nuns of Chester
SATB choral/organ score
PEL2098-Choir and Organ
'Song of the Nuns of Chester' derives from a fifteenth-century manuscript containing the Processional of St Mary's, Chester, a medieval nunnery of which nothing now survives. This version of the song was arranged by Paul Halley for the University of King's College Chapel Choir for the concert series "A King's Christmas' in 2016. Sung in procession with handbells, the text and tune alternate between Tenors and Basses, and Sopranos and Altos, with a semi-chorus of antiphonal voices offering the 'Lully lu' text almost as a showering from heaven. This work presents a very medieval sounding and atmospheric choral procession, used as an introit in a liturgical setting or to open a concert, which can easily segue into a carol or hymn.
Video
Notes
'Song of the Nuns of Chester', arr. Halley, performed at "A King's Christmas 2016", opening procession with handbells
Texts
Song of the Nuns of Chester
Words and music: c.1430 Processional chant of the original convent of St. Mary’s, Chester
Arranged by Paul Halley (1952 - )
Qui creavit coelum,
Lully, lully, lu.
Nascitur in stabulo,
By, by, by, by, by
Rex qui regit seculum
Lully, lully, lu.
Joseph emit paniculum
Lully, lully, lu,
Mater involvit puerum
By, by, by, by, by,
Et ponit in praesepio
Lully, lully, lu.
Inter animalia
Lully, lully, lu,
Jacent mundi gaudia
By, by, by, by, by,
Dulcis super omnia
Lully, lully, lu.
Lactat mater Domini
Lully, lully, lu,
Osculatur parvulum
By, by, by, by, by,
Et adorat Dominum
Lully, lully, lu.
Roga mater filium
Lully, lully, lu,
Ut det nobis gaudium
By, by, by, by, by,
In perenni gloria
Lully, lully, lu.
In sempiterna saecula
Lully, lully, lu,
In eternum et ultra
By, by, by, by, by,
Det nobis sua gaudia
Lully, lully, lu.
From a fifteenth-century manuscript containing the Processional of St Mary's, Chester, a medieval nunnery of which nothing now survives.
