The Three Wassails were written over
a six year period and are designed for the portion of the Madrigal
Feaste or Renaissance Fair known as the "wassail toast" (see
Dr. Paul Brandvik's "The Compleet Madrigal Dinner Booke" (Curtis
Music Press). At the "feaste" or "fair" the
wassail song is sung in its entirety. After the "toast" by
the "King", "Lord of Misrule" or "Master
of Ceremonies", the third verse is generally repeated.
Gloucestershire Wassail may have been
named for Robert of Gloucester, who, in the thirteenth century
told of the legend of the marriage of king Voetigern with the
Saxon princess, Rowena, which involved having the princess drink
to the king's health when the words "waes heal" were
spoken. There are at least ten verses to this wassail. Only four
verses have been used in this edition.
There are several Cornish Wassails.
This edition contains "Cornish Wassail III". There are also at
least three variations of III. There are between twelve and fifteen
verses, depending of the variation sung. It is also know as "Carol
for the Twelfth Day".
Apple Tree Wassail came from the custom
of blessing the fruit trees for a bountiful harvest. It was generally
performed at night and pieces of wool were dipped in cider and
placed on branches of the trees. Singers joined hands singing
and dancing around the trees and would often shout or make loud
noises to drive away evil spirits. The "Apple Tree Wassail" is
similar to the "Somerset Wassail" (see Three
Wassails Set I).
Three Wassails
(Set II) -- $2.75
Gloucestershire, Cornish & Apple Tree, arrangement
by Tyrrell with SATB voicing.
School Choirs 10% Discount
Purchase Order >>
|
|
|
Sample Page
