This edition was prepared by Douglas Walczak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Corpus Christi
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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Corpus Christi by Peter Warlock — Lyrics
Lully, lullay, lully, lullay,
The faucon hath borne my make away.
He bare him up, he bare him down,
He bare him into an orchard brown.
In that orchard ther was an hall
That was hanged with purple and pall.
And in that hall ther was a bed:
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About Corpus Christi
Peter Warlock's Corpus Christi sets a powerful English text in a traditional SATB voicing. The lyrics, a deeply moving medieval poem, describe a mysterious falcon carrying away the singer's love, leading to an orchard where a knight lies wounded, with 'Corpus Christi' inscribed upon a stone beside his bed. This text, traditionally associated with the Feast of Corpus Christi, is given a solemn and evocative setting by Warlock. The music perfectly captures the sorrowful yet devotional atmosphere of the words, making it a poignant choice for sacred occasions. Its blend of traditional imagery and expressive vocal writing has made it a significant work in the English choral repertoire.
