Song for St. Nicholas

Instrumentation

2 sopranos, mezzo-soprano, 2 countertenors and organ

Other Information

Written for the popular series of A Countertenor´s Christmas concerts held at Evangelische Versöhnungskirche, Ehrenfeld in Köln, Germany by Joachim Diessner von Isensee and his remarkable set of soloist friends and guests usually including Ute Eisenhut, Melissa Hegney and Arnon Zlotnik. On this occasion the singers were Joachim Diessner and Arnon Zlotnik, guests Ute Eisenhut and Christine Albert with special guest, the mezzo Bhawani Moennsad. The organist was Markus Belmann.

NEW! A version for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone and Bass is also available with an alternative additional Soprano 2 part. The three solos verses may be sung by upper or lower voice soloists or full sections.

This is one of several compositions featured in Köln over the years but following, in particular, the very successful première performances of "The Christ-child" with Dame Emma Kirkby and Herr Diessner in December 2012 "Angels sing with pious mirth!" [SSAA + Organ] in 2013 and “Nunc gaudet Maria” in 2014. Two more of Fisher’s earlier carols: "Mary Laid Her Child" [in a new arrangement for five upper voices] and "Mother Mary" were also performed.

PHOTOS: the wallpainting [left] and the archways to the church [below right] were taken by the composer in St. Nicholas’ original church at Myra in modern day Demre, Turkey. Nicholas was Bishop of Myra. The photograph of the wallpainting also appears on the score’s cover.

This piece for the fifteenth concert in the series is a setting of these Slavic words from the Greek Catholic (Byzantine) tradition:

1. O who loves Nicholas the Saintly,

O who serves Nicholas the Saintly.

Him will Nicholas receive,

And give help in time of need.

O Holy Father Nicholas.

Nicholas the Saintly.

2. O who dwells in God´s holy mansions;

Is our help on the land and oceans.

He will guard us from all ills,

Keep us pure and free from sins,

O Holy Father Nicholas.

Nicholas the Saintly.

3. Nicholas, tearfully we sinners,

Beseech you fervently in our prayers.

Help us in our tribulations,

And comfort ev´ry Christian nation.

O Holy Father Nicholas.

Nicholas the Saintly.

4. Holy Saint, listen to our prayers.

Let not life lead us to despair;

All our efforts aren´t in vain,

Singing praises to your name;

O Holy Father Nicholas.

Nicholas the Saintly.