Bethlehem Down

Available for over a year

Warlock wrote this carol, with words by the poet Bruce Blunt, to pay for a heavy bout of drinking on Christmas Eve 1927. The pair, who had financial difficulties at the time, submitted the carol to The Daily Telegraph's annual Christmas carol contest and won. The piece brings its music and words together beautifully, being tender and harmonious yet shot through with a distinct melancholy. Composer: Peter Warlock Performers: BBC Singers Performers: BBC Concert Orchestra Conductor: David Hill Recording date: 19 December 2012 Date of broadcast: 19 December 2012