Miracle plays back in Chelmsford after 450 years!
In rehearsalOctober 1-3, Chelmsford Cathedral
It was in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1 when miracle plays were last produced and performed in Chelmsford Cathedral - now they are back in October (1-3rd) and Chelmsford retired teacher and musician, Eric Withams has written special music for them.
"Most of my compositions have been for voice, and when a composer starts with lyrics for a vocal work he has before him, through the words, suggestions of the mood, rhythms, phrase structures and melodic shape. Knowing the singers' characteristics and capabilities also helps. Although there are many songs in the Mystery Play, much of the music is for a small band," says Mr Withams. When he embarked on this project, he wanted to create music which matched the period and spirit of the play, yet wasn't just pastiche. He found the use of an electronic keyboard linked to computer music software makes composition and notation so much easier," but most of the music starts life at the piano (or in my head)", he comments.
The play, "The Nativity" by Tony Harrison is his version of many of the northern miracle plays which taught medieval people the stories of the Bible. The performances will be in the nave of the cathedral with the audience on tiered seating on three sides.
The director, Allison Woollard says that there will be lots of modern twists starting with the story of Creation and leading to the nativity. "Come prepared for some audience participation", she laughs.
Tickets £15 and £12. Under 18s £6.
Call the box office at Chelmsford Civic Theatre 01245 606505.
For more information visit www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk
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