Description
This publication presents the universal message of the birth of Jesus in a new guise, offering a richly imaginative resource of poems and organ music. Fresh, varied and accessible in their interpretation, the poems by David Broadbridge and the music of Philip Moore sound a new note in their variety. Together, they provide a unique commentary on the mystery and joy of the Christmas story.
Nativitas comprises a sequence of nine poems, exploring seasonal themes and using a variety of forms, such as villanelle, ballad, and free verse. Each reading of poetry is enhanced by organ music, reflecting the mood and imagery of the words.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Broadbridge (b. 1947) is a poet and translator. On leaving Oxford University , he worked in education in Denmark and England. His most recent book is Treading the Dance, a translation of Danish Medieval Ballads (Stacey 2011), which was longlisted for the Popescu prize (2011) and described by Seamus Heaney as ‘beautifully produced and seriously enjoyable.’ He has been widely published in magazines and journals and a number of his poems have been set to music by Christopher Gower and Richard Elfyn Jones.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Philip Moore (b. 1943) was Organist and Master of Music at York Minster from 1983 to 2008, and has an international reputation as a composer. He began his musical education at the Royal College of Music, where he studied organ, composition and conducting. He also holds a BMus degree from Durham University, as well as the diplomas of the RCO. In 1965 he was appointed to the music staff at Eton College, and three years later became Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral. In 1974, he became Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral, moving to York Minster in 1983. To mark 50 years service to Church music, and to celebrate his retirement, the Archbishop of York bestowed the Order of St William on him. In 2014, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of York. He is active as a composer and recitalist, and was conductor of the York Musical Society for 27 years. In July 2015, he became President of the Royal College of Organists. In 2016, he received The Cranmer Award for Worship from the Archbishop of Canterbury, recognising his outstanding service.
