Why Beauty matters V. Henry Purcell: Nymphs and Shepherds

Recorded 94 years ago in Manchester, England. Nymphs and Shepherds is a song by the English composer Henry Purcell, from the play The Libertine by Thomas Shadwell. It was composed in 1692. Manchester Children’s Choir This song was made famous when in June 1929, a choir of 250 schoolchildren from 52 local schools was recorded singing it in the Free Trade Hall, accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra under the direction of Sir Hamilton Harty. The city’s education department had decided that children with no musical training should have a chance to perform. The Manchester Children’s Choir was therefore formed in 1925 by Walter Carroll, Music Advisor to Manchester Education Committee, from elementary schools in the area. Lyrics (repeats omitted) Nymphs and shepherds, come away, In this grove, in this grove, let’s sport and play let’s sport and play; For this is Flora’s holiday, Sacred to ease and happy love, To music, to dancing and to poetry. Your flocks may now securely rest While you express your jollity! Nymphs and shepherds, come away. Nymphs and shepherds, pipe and play, Tune a song, a festal lay; For this is Flora’s holiday, Lightly we tread o’er all the ground, With music, with dancing and with poetry. Then trip we round with merry sound, And pass the day in jollity! Nymphs and shepherds, come away. Art Upcoming