In 1934 Benjamin Britten wrote a series of twelve songs for the school in Wales where his brother was a teacher. These songs, called Friday Afternoons (that was when pupils had their singing practice), started Britten’s lifelong interest in music for young people and in music education. A New Year Carol is one of the Friday Afternoons songs. In this collection he sets to music words by many different poets and authors, and the music always beautifully illustrates the mood of the text.
Here we bring new water from the well so clear,
For to worship God with, this happy New Year.
Chorus
Sing levy dew, sing levy dew, the water and the wine;
The seven bright gold wires and the bugles that do shine.
Sing reign of Fair Maid, with gold upon her toe,
Open you the West Door, and turn the Old Year go.
Chorus
Sing reign of Fair Maid, with gold upon her chin,
Open you the East Door, and let the New Year in.
Chorus
A New Year Carol - The Cambridge Singers
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