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Good King Wenceslas

by Matthew Todd, Tenor

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about

Christmas time has become somewhat choked by glamour and consumerism and, stronger and stronger, I found this beautiful traditional carol growing in my mind.

I love songs that tell stories and give an uplifting message. This carol is the true story of King Wenceslas, a 10th century saint who was loved by all his subjects for his acts of charity and kindness:

"But his deeds I think you know better than I could tell you; for, as is read in his Passion, no one doubts that, rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that he was considered, not a prince, but the father of all the wretched."

In the arrangement I wanted to capture the Victorian flavour of the music with some modern Christmas idioms thrown in. I wanted to tell this story like a mini opera with the characters being sung as solos and the narrator part backed by a choir. I was delighted to have some wonderfully talented singers to record with and the entire experience was a joy to be part of.

We hope to make our own small tribute to the message of the song by donating any profits from sales of this track to 'See the Invisibles' a charity that helps homeless people.

King Wenceslas: Gareth Merser
Page Boy: Jamie Merser
Choir: New Scottish Youth Choir (East Glasgow)
Narrator / arranger: Matthew Todd

lyrics

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night,
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gathering winter fuel.

"Hither, page, and stand by me.
If thou knowst it telling:
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes fountain."

"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine.
Bring me pine logs hither.
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear the thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went,
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.

"Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger.
Fails my heart, I know not how.
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps good my page,
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's step he trod,
Where the snow lay dented.
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.

credits

released December 13, 2015

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about

Matthew Todd, Tenor Glasgow, UK

Matthew Todd is a Scottish classical tenor, trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He has a passion for stories especially where there is a deep human element, hence his love of Art Song. Matthew is also a committed Community Musician, Choral Director, teacher and composer. More info at www.matthew-todd.co.uk ... more

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