Friday FIVE: March 13 - Strange Praise

On this “on location” episode from a cabin in Branson, Missouri, I reflect on one of the most unusual and powerful choral works of the twentieth century: “Rejoice in the Lamb” by Benjamin Britten.

Drawing from the eccentric and deeply devotional poem Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart, written in part while Smart was confined in an asylum, Britten’s choral work bursts with rhythmic energy, playful strangeness, and persistent praise.

From the famous “For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry” solo to the driving Hallelujah movements, this work reminds us that praise can persist even in fragmentation and confinement.

My Delta Youth Chorale is preparing for an upcoming April 30 performance of this remarkable piece in West Monroe, Louisiana.

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

Here’s a recording of the first movement: https://youtu.be/TaRUv0c-Aes

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com