SKU: A0.878589

Anonymous duet from the Las Huelgas Codex (c. 1300) from Anonymous 4's recording Secret Voices (2011; harmonia mundi 807510). Duration: 1' 23.

This sprightly duo solfeggio exercise was sung by the 12th-century nuns of the royal convent of Las Huelgas in north central Spain.                                                                                  

SKU: A0.878577

14th-century Irish plainchant sequence for Christmas, or in honor of the Virgin Mary, from the album The Cherry Tree (2010) by the renowned vocal quartet Anonymous 4.

SKU: A0.878579

15th-century strophic unison hymn for Christmas in Latin as performed by the renowned vocal quartet Anonymous 4 on their 2010 album The Cherry Tree. From the Processional of the Nunnery of St. Mary, Chester, c. 1425. Qui creavit celum is the well-known Carol of the Nuns of Chester. A very human and affectionate retelling of  the Nativity story. Suitable for solo or choral performance. With performance notes and translation.

SKU: A0.878599

An ornate 13th-century Agnus dei, featured on Anonymous 4's cd Secret Voices  (2011; harmonia mundi 807510). This chant for the Mass liturgy (duration 3' 27) is adorned with two-voice polyphony, and expanded with a trope (added text and music), both of which increase the solemnity of the Agnus dei chant for a high feast.

The Las Huelgas Codex (c. 1300) contains the polyphonic tropes. The rest is taken from a 13th-century chant manuscript from Madrid.

SKU: A0.878581

Fifteenth-century unison carol in late Middle English and Latin, with music from the Bodleian Library MS Eng. Poet. e. I. f., and text from Yale University, ms 365   (The Book of Brome), f. 79v. This monophonic song recounts the Annunciation   dialogue between a humble yet wise young Mary and the Angel Gabriel. 

Performance: the burden is sung with full choir at the beginning and end of the   carol, as well as between the verses, which are, ideally, sung by a soloist. However, solo performance throughout, or small choir vs. large choir are also possible.  In Anonymous 4‘s performance, we perform the burden only  after every few verses.  These carols would have served a paraliturgical function, possibly accompanying  processions. May be sung in any suitable key. 

SKU: A0.878610

This brief and luminous unison Latin song, asking for divine protection as evening falls, is from the Codex Las Huelgas (c. 1300). It closes Anonymous 4’s Secret Voices cd (2011, harmonia mundi usa 807510). Duration 1' 35.

This may be sung by a solo voice, or unison choir.

SKU: A0.878580

15th-century polyphonic English carol for Christmas, as sung by the renowned vocal ensemble Anonymous 4 on their album The Cherry Tree. In Middle English and Latin. Includes translation and program notes.

SKU: A0.878603

This lovely 12th-century plainchant antiphon from the Las Huelgas Codex (c. 1300) is featured on the Anonymous 4 cd Secret Voices (2011, harmonia mundi usa 807510). Duration 1’ 26.

The biblical wise and foolish virgins figure in several songs, like this one, in this Codex from the royal Castilian convent. 

This chant can be sung by a solo voice or by a unison choir, at any comfortable pitch.

SKU: A0.878601

A lilting duo from the 12th century for and about the nuns at the royal convent of Las Huelgas in north central Spain. As performed by Anonymous 4 on their cd Secret Voices (2011; harmonia mundi 807510). Duration 3' 02.

This can be sung one on a part, or with a small equal-voice choir.

SKU: A0.878608

14th-century Irish plainchant sequence for Christmas, as sung by the renowned vocal quartet Anonymous 4 on their album The Cherry Tree (2010; harmonia mundi 807453). Duration 1'29

For unison choir or solo voice.

SKU: A0.878635

12th-century French plainchant hymn for the lighting of the paschal candle. In Latin. As performed by Anonymous 4 on their album Darkness into Light. 5 verses, translation included. Duration: 4:55.