The Oxford Spezzati Soloists & Orchestra
Nick Mumby - conductor
Saturday 13 November, 7.30pm
St James' Church, Piccadilly
Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto (Marissa Pueschel - oboe)
Elgar Introduction & Allegro
Jonathan Bridcut Batter My Heart
Durufle Requiem (Claire Eadington - mezzo soprano)
Alongside the Durufle, the Oxford Spezzati's programme includes orchestral works by Vaughan Williams and Elgar, and the premiere of Jonathan Bridcut's newest work for choir, Batter My Heart, which sets words by John Donne.
Batter my heart, three person'd God; for, you
As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend;
That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow mee, and bend
Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new.
I, like an usurpt towne, to another due,
Labour to admit you, but Oh, to no end,
Reason your viceroy in mee, mee should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weake or untrue.
Yet dearely I love you, and would be loved faine,
But am betroth'd unto your enemie:
Divorce mee, untie, or breake that knot againe;
Take mee to you, imprison mee, for I
Except you enthrall mee, never shall be free,
Nor ever chast, except you ravish mee.
