West Gallery Christmas Music

From Northamptonshire

Collected and Edited by

Stephen J Weston

Lamport Choir by George Clarke c1823

This is a collection of carols and Christmas songs with melodies dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries.  All the music has been written by Northamptonshire composers who had little or no musical education.  It comes from a time known as the West Gallery Period, when bands and choirs were located in the west gallery of churches.

The music, which is also referred to as choir-band music, is written in three- or four-part harmony with accompaniment for keyboard, violin and bass.  If available, other instruments were used such as the Serpent and Ophicleide.

The current collection contains the following music:

1. While Shepherds watched; Nativity [Lyngham]  Thomas Jarman of Clipston [1803]
2. Methinks I hear the Heav'ns Resounding; John Munden of Brixworth [1788]
3. Let an anthem of praise and a carol of joy; Caleb Ashworth of Daventry [1762]
4. Hark the Glad Sound (Doddridge); tune (Job's Piety) by E Butlin of Spratton [1847]
5. Hosanna to the Royal Son (Watts); tune (Radford) by James Mursell of Kettering [c1855]
6. Glory to God (J Rippon); setting (Bradford New) by Blundell of Walgrave [1813]
7. Hark the Herald; William Stretton of Aldwincle (1817-1907)
8. Blessed be His glorious Name; Thomas Jarman of Clipston [c1826]