WEEK TWO 9 – 16 August
Choral Masterpieces of Five Centuries
‘Days End‘
James Davey conductor
Simon Gregory accompanist
Once more James Davey brings us a stimulating selection of unusual and well-known choral masterworks which he offers under the title, ‘Days End’!
The course will embrace music from the Renaissance period to the present day and include such stunningly beautiful works as Rheinberger’s Stabat Mater in G minor and Host’s Ode to Death, both rarely performed even though they are true masterpieces. Other notable and unusual pieces include Ethel Smyth’s Sleepless Dreams, Will Todd’s Softly, William Billings’ delicious David’s Lamentation and Elaine Hagenburg’s Nox. The whole to be topped off with Handel’s celebratory but rarely performed Coronation Anthem, Let thy hand be strengthened.
“I feel I have discovered heaven on earth”.
Early application is recommended, as entries will be accepted in rotation, except in cases where the balance of voices must be considered. A concert with orchestral accompaniment will be given at the end of the week for which repertoire will be selected from the following list.
Repertoire
Handel Coronation Anthem No.2 HWV 259. “Let thy hand be strengthened”.
free download IMSLP#255158
Todd Softly Oxford University Press
Holst Ode to Death Novello
Rheinberger ed Reuter, Stabat Mater in G minor, Op.138 free download IMSLP#443418
Smyth Sleepless Dreams free download IMSLP#405789
Hagenberg Nox (from Illuminare) GIA Publications
Billings David’s Lamentation free download CPDL#66625
Please note. The summer school does not have a music shop on site. Students will need to acquire their course materials before they arrive at the school, either from their local music shop or from our nominated internet supplier, Forsyth Music. The following address will take you straight to the Sherborne Summer School of Music section of Forsyth’s website where you will find the music for your course ready to purchase: https://www.forsyths.co.uk/189389-sherborne-summer-school-2026
Added extra – open to all members of the summer school
Choral Workshop 2
Brahms, German Requiem, Op.45
Amy Bebbington conductor
As an added extra, on Sunday evening the 9 August, Amy Bebbington will direct an open rehearsal with orchestra of the Brahms Requiem. All members of the school are welcome and encouraged to take part, copies will be provided.
Other choral courses at Sherborne this summer
Cappella Chamber Choir (2 – 9 August)
The Lighter Side Choral Course (9 – 16 August)
The Art of Choral Direction (9 – 16 August)