On this Notices Page:
Ladies Uniform-The History
Forty Years Celebration
Choral Notes: our official newsletter
Charities On Line Accounts Award
Thoughts and views: feedback March 2006
Ode: We are the music makers: Arthur O'Shaughnessy
Notes of 2007 AGM
Translation of Latin Mass
Translation of Carmina Burana
Translation of Puccini Madame Butterfly
Translation of Puccini Tosca
Translation of Puccini Turandot
Translation of Nessun Dorma
The ladies’ uniform of a long black skirt and a green blouse had been in place for 7 years.
The choir was asked for volunteers to sit on a sub-committee for ladies'
uniform. This was based on the fact that
a - material supplies are nearly out
b - many of the original blouses are frayed
c - many comments have been received from the choir feedback re the ladies'
uniform, all of which were complaints or suggestions
Based on this the sub-committee's brief was to design and source a sustainable
uniform
• that would suit everyone from style
• that would suit everyone from colour
• was practical for walking and climbing onto and off stage
• is uniform
• may permit the wearing of an additional layer underneath but will
also not be too hot
• probably the most important point - is sustainable for another
10 years' time both in terms of pattern, colour and material supply
Our Motto:
Atollite Capita!
Lift up your heads!
The result is
• a black A-line dress with a deep inverted pleat at the back
– practically the most desirable and suits all shapes and sizes
and permits movement
• zip at the back or side,
• 3/4 sleeves – more practical in both winter and summer
• scooped round neck but not too low
• material: satin crepe, black
• scarf to be worn around the neck in a contrasting colour in
a satin, chiffon or georgette: this to be sourced at a later date and
colours to be determined at a later date.
• Fit: to be semi-fitted but not tight and to have a pocket in
either the inside sleeve or in the hem to permit the storing of lipsticks
and handkerchiefs.
The proposal was for the dress to be worn for the first time for the
Elijah concert in March: when it was proposed to the choir, however,
the choir decided that, if possible, we would wear it for the November
concert with a large poppy.
Notices
Tony Hallam has compiled 'A chronological glimpse into the seventy years' history of Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir' from its inception in 1924 as Grassmoor Musical Union up to 1997.
We would like to bring this document up to date and would welcome any anecdotes, human angle snippets of information and stories to add the 'human touch'. Please write them down or e-mail them to your choir representative.
The dress: a black satin crepe which should minimise static, not necessarily require ironing and be washable has been proposed, together with a dress-maker who will work on a verbal retainer basis (ie no payment to keep her required).
Dress maker details:
Sewing Corner, 135 Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3LU, Margaret,
01629 760299
Material: satin-backed black crepe which has been available for more than 10 years from most material shops.
Dress cost is £61.00 which, based on 10 years’ wear and 4 concerts a year works out at £1.53 per wear.
Celebrating
40 years of Music Making.
3rd May 07
Rachel tells us the good news about the cava and cake! Is Steven thinking we could have been singing a bit longer?
Tony Hallam outlined the history of the Choral Society
from its inception as Grassmoor Musical Union
at a meeting in the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom on 14th April 1924.
The Chesterfield Philharmonic Society was formed on 27th April 1967,
including an orchestra that went on to become Chesterfield Symphony
Orchestra.
The full history is included in Tony's book, 'Those who sing'
and from 1997 in 'Those who sing on'
Rachel Swan, our current president and Gwen Hallam.
Steven Roberts, Tony Hallam, Miguel Camara and Gwen Hallam congratulate Anna Mannion-Jones and Dorothy Hardwick, our youngest and oldest members as they cut Rachel's Celebration Cake.
Anna Mannion Jones and Dorothy Hardwick cutting the cake with Miguel first in the queue!
Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir celebrating 40 years of music making on 3rd May 2007.
TOP MARKS FOR ON-LINE ACCOUNTS
More congratulations are due to Mark Jarvis, whose efforts with the Choir
Accounts have been rewarded by winning our category of the Charities On-Line
Accounts Award - a national competition for all charities who put their
accounts on their website.
Prizes were given for online reports and accounts which demonstrated the
highest levels of accuracy and transparency, and which communicate effectively
with beneficiaries, donors and stakeholders. And this is what was said
about our entry: “there was clear signposting on the website and
very helpful narrative.... the accounts had gone much further than required
in meeting the Charity Commission Standards of Reporting Practice (SORP)
for a charity of this size.” We were commended by the judges for
“demonstrating that limited resource was no barrier to high quality
financial reporting on line.” If anybody is interested in knowing
more about the awards and the other shortlisted charities you can visit
the Charities Aid Foundation website, for links to the relevant websites
www.cafonline.org.
Mark had an exciting day in London collecting our £4000 prize, saying;
“What a wonderful feeling as I shook hands and had my picture taken.
I still cannot quite believe it - so here's to next year!”
2008 Charities’ Online Accounts Award Winners
Announced
30 April 2008
Read
the CAF report
British Library, WaterAid, The Redress Trust, Best Beginnings and the
Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir have taken on strong competition from
the UK’s top charities and won top prizes in the 2008 Charities
Online Accounts Awards.
The awards – organised by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – promote transparency in the third sector by rewarding the charities that publish the most friendly and accessible online financial reports. Winners of the five categories were each presented with a cheque for £5,000 at the ceremony in London’s Chartered Accountants Hall on 30 April 2008.
Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation John Low said: “In the 21st century donors want to know their money will be spent well. Openness and transparency are essential to maintain and build public trust. The winners of these awards have confidently encouraged public scrutiny by presenting their accounts in a friendly and accessible way.”
Nominees were judged by an expert panel chaired by Graham Ward CBE, a senior partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers and former President of the International Federation of Accountants. The prizes were presented by Graham Ward and David Furst, the ICAEW Deputy President.
Graham Ward CBE said: “High quality financial reporting is as much
of an imperative for the charitable sector as it is for the commercial
world. Charities depend on donors in the same way that businesses depend
on investors and both these communities depend on high quality financial
information when making decisions about whether to provide funding. The
judges were impressed by the approach taken by so many of the entrants
and their desire to make the most of the internet in how they achieve
this.”
Choral
Notes
Our Official Newsletter
SUMMER 2007
Volume 1, Issue 4
Committee Members
Chair: Rachel Swann
Musical Director: Steven Roberts
Secretary: Angela Walker
Treasurer: Mark Jarvis
Stage Manager: Peter Jones
Membership Secretary: Lynda Oliver
Librarian: Anne Kenworthy
Social Secretary: Miguel Camara
Friends Secretary: Tricia Duckett
Website Manager: Bob Parnham
Choir Rep: Andrew Heighton
Committee Member: Lynda Mitchell
Other roles
Deputy MD: Philip Hanwell
Front of House Manager: Peter Davy
Attendance Representative: Barbara White
Upcoming Events
Summer social July 12th, The Sandpiper, Dronfield.
Next concert: 10th November 2007
Sunday 15 July 2007 at 19:30
Other Events
An Evening of Romantic Music with Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra
The Winding Wheel, Chesterfield
Saturday 29th September 2007, Sheffield City Hall
75th anniversary Gala concert,
Lesley Garrett (soprano)
Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus
Saturday 7th October 2006 Sheffield Bach Choir
Sheffield Cathedral, 19:30
Requiem, by Karl Jenkins and works by Bach and Bliss
Have a relaxing and satisfying summer break and see you all in September.
Choral Day – 2007
June 9th 2007 saw the Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir tackle their 10th
annual Choral Day. It was a special anniversary, falling in our 40th year,
and was notable by the novel addition of an orchestra – making it
an exciting experience for all involved.
The work studied and performed was Mozart’s famous Requiem in D
minor – a work shrouded in mystery and conspiracy, and only partially
completed by the genius himself, eventually finished by one of his students
after a lot of persuasion!
Over 150 singers from around the country gathered at Central Methodist
Church for a day of rehearsing which culminated in an informal concert.
The choir was joined for the afternoon by Lancashire Chamber Orchestra,
producing a “Mozart wall of sound”.
Here are some comments made by ‘those who sang’;
"Excellent day, perfectly organized"
"Lovely to sing with an orchestra"
"Thank you, thank you....pure pleasure"
"Another fantastic day...really special"
"High standard of rehearsal and performance"
"An excellent musical experience"
"The Phil has some soloists to be proud of"
"I am totally blown away by the experience"
"Very exciting opportunity - a lot of fun"
Many thanks to Miguel for co-ordinating this rewarding and energetic musical experience, and to all who contributed to the social event in the evening. It has set a high standard for next year!
Elijah – “Absolutely fantastic”
‘“That was absolutely fantastic!” was the spontaneous
comment of the gentleman sitting next to me at the end of the first part
of Mendelssohn’s Elijah performed on Saturday 24th March 2007 at
the Victoria Hall Methodist Church in Sheffield, with the combined voices
of the Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir and the Altrincham Choral Society.
The strength and duration of the applause that greeted the evening’s
performance confirmed that every member of the audience echoed his sentiments.
By all accounts this performance was truly exceptional – one that
would have made Felix Mendelssohn even happier than his name suggests!
The combined choirs were at their very best and matched their performance
skilfully to the ever-changing moods and tempi of the music. The ladies
semi-chorus in “Holy, holy, holy” was particularly enjoyable.
The four soloists gave a superb performance, filling the church with their
delightful and powerful interpretations of the music. The treble playing
“The Youth” displayed a fine quality of tone and a degree
of confidence rare in one so young.
Once again, the energetic leadership of Steven Roberts drew a brilliant
performance from the orchestra and organ, providing a colourful backcloth
for the voices, and driving the performance forwards.
I await the choir’s next appearance with keen anticipation’
(Review provided by David Mitchell, April 2007)
Congratulations!
Our gratitude and congratulations are extended to Steven on the receipt
of his life member certificate presented at our fantastic West End Nights
summer concert which was a great success and drew a capacity audience
at the Central Methodist Church, Chesterfield on the 30th June despite
recent bad weather.
Everyone let their hair down and had a ball! It was a fitting end to
our 40th Anniversary Year celebrations which has seen a range of musical
styles and we have, as a choir, exceeded all expectations. Onwards and
upwards!
Our gratitude and congratulations are extended to Steven on the receipt
of his life member certificate presented at our fantastic West End Nights
summer concert which was a great success and drew a capacity audience
at the Central Methodist Church, Chesterfield on the 30th June despite
recent bad weather. Everyone let their hair down and had a ball! It was
a fitting end to our 40th Anniversary Year celebrations which has seen
a range of musical styles and we have, as a choir, exceeded all expectations.
Onwards and upwards!
March 2006
Suggestions I would like to make / things I would like to see more of:
Rehearsals and singing techniques
There is a feeling that the workshops with Andy Slater have benefited
the choir membership as has the mixing up of voices occasionally (which
is felt encourages the mixing with other sections and meeting new members).
When singing in a different language it was suggested that we are told what the text means (with text available on the website for example) so that we know what we’re singing.
• “I would like us to practise the skills Andrew taught us: it is easy to slip back into sloppy ways. Another session on, for example, breathing to help us tackle fast passages on single vowels or long customer notes. We can hear what Steve wants us to do but how do we do it?”
CDs
There were several requests to make a recording of the choir so that we
can access a wider clientele and hear how we sound with maybe a commemorative
CD of the choir.
Music
Sing more Mozart; Songs from the Shows; Verdi Operas – Nabucco,
Traviata, Aida; Requiems, Vivaldi Gloria; Handel; Mendelssohn; Karl Jenkins;
Rutter; African Sanctus. There is the feeling that maybe some more popular
pieces would encourage more audience numbers? Merry Widow – Merrie
England. A request to list all the music we have sung over the past 10
years where the choir members could indicate their favourite pieces.
Some smaller part singing for 8 or 16 voice groups within a larger work or within a medley concert. How about commissioning a work, using local composers and soloists (if there are any).
• “The success of the G&S shows what our audiences like – let’s educate with new musical works but given an audience pleaser every 18 months.”
The fine system for late-returned books needs tightening up.
Choir outlook and sociability
There were many comments that the choir is sociable, friendly and has
benefited from new members. Steven and the choir and committee are seen
as positive. Suggestions received to have joint works with other local
choirs to swell numbers. There was a suggestion to have a tour of the
UK or even further afield.
• “I enjoy everything we do: I find it a challenge and enjoy
the choir too.”
• “Choral days have been invaluable both in musical and social
terms”
• “We have a very loyal and enthusiastic membership: we want
to produce the best sound possible. It can be disconcerting when some
members appear to have a poor attendance record”
• “Our choir is successful because it is a happy choir: we
learn and we have fun. We have a nice mix of ages.”
Uniform and other clothing:
Suggestions include wearing wide velvet elasticated-waist trousers, a
preference for skirts not trousers, all black with coloured scarves, good
quality sweatshirt and a request for better quality blouses.
• “Some choirs wear a stole / scarf (ladies). Looks effective, or would some consider it untidy?”
Audience and concerts
• “The question on audience numbers is difficult to answer.
The audience that fills the Winding Wheel for Christmas does not respond
to forthcoming concerts on the back of the programme nor to Steve’s
sparkling repartee as he invites them to come and listen. Chesterfield
is a small town and therefore a small audience base.”
• “I don’t think cost of tickets has much effect on audience members except where they are high. If our concerts were free would the audience be bigger: probably not!”
Advertising
Suggestions and questions about the Winding Wheel not advertising our
events, getting some copy into Reflections magazine, putting fliers into
the free newspapers and participating in local events where we would be
part of a larger happening.
Requests received to invite the front of house staff at social occasions and the AGM and to consult them after concerts.
Request for special quality covers for programmes for 40th anniversary.
General
• For the Christmas concert raffle; instead of having 1 cumbersome
to take home prize, could we have 3 more medium and manageable prizes
• Winners of the monthly raffle should be free to choose which prize
they want
• It’s a great choir musically and in its members: but we
do need to know which committee members are doing which jobs (see below)
• Try St John’s Church Walton as a venue
• This survey is an excellent idea – everyone can have their
views heard rather than the most vocal.
Committee Members’ roles – quick summary:
• Programmes, posters, post-cards, flyers and press releases etc:
Rachel
• Sick contacting etc: please can you contact either Lynda, Barbara
or Rachel and we can then organise for a card, flowers and visits if necessary
• Subs and financial issues: Mark Jarvis
• Updating member contact details: Bob Parnham holds the definitive
database. Please pass information to Bob (note all your contact information
is held in confidence and is not passed on to anyone other than other
committee members solely for the purpose of choir use).
• Attendance at rehearsal: please preferably tell Barbara White
• Lapsed members are monitored by Barbara and Lynda and then followed
up by Lynda
• Choir rep: Peter Jones
WE are the music makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,!
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.
With wonderful deathless ditties
We build up the world's great cities,
And out of a fabulous story
We fashion an empire's glory:
One man with a dream, at pleasure,
Shall go forth and conquer a crown;
And three with a new song's measure
Can trample a kingdom down.
We, in the ages lying
In the buried past of the earth,
Built Nineveh with our sighing,
And Babel itself in our mirth;
And o'erthrew them with prophesying
To the old of the new world's worth;
For each age is a dream that is dying,
Or one that is coming to birth.
A breath of our inspiration
Is the life of each generation;
A wondrous thing of our dreaming
Unearthly, impossible seeming
The soldier, the king, and the peasant
Are working together in one,
Till our dream shall become their present,
And their work in the world be done.
They had no vision amazing
Of the goodly house they are raising;
They had no divine foreshowing
Of the land to which they are going:
But on one man's soul it hath broken,
A light that doth not depart;
And his look, or a word he hath spoken,
Wrought flame in another man's heart
And therefore to-day is thrilling
With a past day's late fulfilling;
And the multitudes are enlisted
In the faith that their fathers resisted
And, scorning the dream of to-morrow,
Are bringing to pass, as they may,
In the world, for its joy or its sorrow,
The dream that was scorned yesterday.
But we, with our dreaming and singing,
Ceaseless and sorrowless we !
The glory about us clinging
Of the glorious futures we see,
Our souls with high music ringing:
0 men! it must ever be
That we dwell, in our dreaming and singing,
A little apart from ye.
For we are afar with the dawning
And the suns that are not yet high,
And out of the infinite morning
Intrepid you hear us cry
How, spite of your human scorning,
Once more God's future draws nigh,
And already goes forth the warning
That ye of the past must die.
Great hail! we cry to the comers
From the dazzling unknown shore;
Bring us hither your sun and summers,
And renew our world as of yore;
You shall teach us your song's new numbers,
And things that we dreamed not before:
Yea, in spite of a dreamer who slumbers,
And a singer who sings no more.
ARTHUR O'SHAUGHNESSY.
Agenda
Annual General Meeting
To be held on
Thursday 11th October 2007
At
Ashgate Croft School at 7.15 p.m.
Chair: Rachel Swann, Chairman
1. Apologies
2. Present
3. Appointment of tellers
4. Minutes the AGM 2006 to be agreed and signed
5. Matters arising
6. Chairman’s Annual Report
7. Treasurer’s Report and Annual Financial Statement
8. Musical Director’s report
9. Annual subscription
10. Election of Officers for the coming year
11. Life Membership
12. Any Other Business
13. Date and time of the Annual General Meeting 2008
Notes of the Annual General Meeting held on
Thursday 11th October 2007
At Ashgate Croft School
Final Draft Copy
1. Apologies:
Catherine Wyn Rogers (President), Bill Hardwick, Denis Ransby, Joe Clark,
Lynda Mitchell, Margaret Worthington, Thelma Hollingworth, John and
Joan Smith, Becky Grainger, Dorothy Graham, Roger and Angela Plank,
Marie Hawley, Jenny Henry, Anne Roberts
2. Present:
71 voting members
3. Appointment of Tellers:
The meeting agreed the appointment of Gwen Hallam and Sally Little as
tellers for the meeting.
4. Minutes of the AGM 2007:
Had been circulated for each member to read prior to the meeting. Agreed
by all to be a true and accurate record, apart from 3 minor amendments
in the Financial Report:
P3: the term ‘Independent Reviewer’ should read ‘Independent
Examiner’.
P7, para 2: membership increased over previous year.
Signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to the noted amendments.
Proposed by Ray Stead
Seconded by Tony Hallam
5. Matters arising:
None
6. Chairman’s Annual Report:
Appended to these minutes and forming part of the annual financial
statement to the Charity Commission. The Chairman highlighted a number
of key points, namely:
• The 40th year celebrations had been the highlight of the whole year, with two sell out concerts, two parties and a member treating us to music not normally heard at the Phil, playing the bagpipes at the end of year celebratory dinner.
• The commissioned work to celebrate 40 years had
been a joy to sing.
• The annual Choral Day had been a huge success with participants
from as far afield as Cardiff and Edinburgh.
• Winning the Charities Aid Foundation Accounts Online Award was a huge achievement and the choir owes is thanks to Mark Jarvis (Treasurer) and Bob Parnham (Website Manager) for their hard work in preparation for this competition.
• During the year two long standing members, Enid Roe and John Biggs had died. The choir had received a £1,000 legacy from the estate of John Biggs. A former Musical Director, Colin Wheatley, had also died in August and a number of members had attended his funeral.
• The Chairman thanked the committee, who had been so committed during the year and given her excellent support as Chairman. Special thanks were extended to Mark Jarvis for excellent financial management, to Steven Roberts for his excellent musical leadership, and to Philip Hanwell and Joan Smith, for their skills in accompaniment and taking over in Steven’s absence, due to work commitments. Janine Mannion Jones was thanked for so ably managing ticket sales again during this year, Jill Slater for invaluable help with publicity, Anne Kenworthy, Librarian, assisted by Gwen Hallam and Barbara White for weekly registration duties. Sincere thanks were expressed to all choir members for their support and commitment throughout the year.
7. Treasurer’s Report and Annual Financial Statement:
• Full report appended to these minutes and to be forwarded
to the Charity Commission. The report and accounts look slightly different
this year, due to the Charity Commission’s enhanced SORP reporting
structure, with some new headings and the importance of being open about
the choir finances.
• The main changes are in the financial statement, where the choir activities relevant to charitable activities, fundraising and voluntary income are more explicit.
• The main report contains a section on how risk is managed and a Reserves Policy, demonstrating efficient management of the financial position and effective and legal operations.
• The Treasurer raised some key points in explaining the accounts.
Page 10: Statement of Financial Activities. Income: £33,816
and expenditure £34,458, giving an operating loss of £642.
The predicted loss was £5,900. If the CAF Award of £4,000
and legacy of £1,000 is taken away, the operating loss is close
to forecast.
Charitable activities generated £27,797.
In 2007 more income was generated, but 40th season activities engendered
increased spending.
Page 12: Notes on Financial Statements.
3.2 income generating activities from sale and hire of music, monthly
raffles and advertising account for almost £3,000.
3.3 Bank interest £677
3.4 Charitable activities. Tickets and programmes are the main item
and slightly up on last year. Income from refreshment sales realised
over £400 and donations from the supply of ladies’ uniform
flowers raised £205.
Page 11: Balance sheet: the end of financial year balance is £13,450
and includes £50 deposit paid in advance for the hire of Chesterfield
Parish Church in November 07.
Questions from the floor:
Mike Little made the observation that there is no recurrence of the Making Music grant and other grants are increasingly difficult to obtain; the choir is, therefore, totally reliant on own resources.
Final Draft Copy
Concert Analysis
All concerts incurred a financial loss, for the first time
ever.
Contributing factors include:
• Cost of advertising and the anniversary programme costing £1,500.
• Ticket pricing policy not meeting the cost of concerts and lack
of any grants during the year to offset these costs.
• Christmas concert made a disappointing loss of £300, reversing
the normal £1,000 - £1,500 profit.
• Ticket sales. Christmas in particular saw lower sales than in
previous years.
• The ‘Elijah’ concert in Sheffield was an expensive
event and audience figures were poor.
Choral Day: financially the day was more successful than anticipated, despite the £1,000 fee for the orchestra, due to the large number attending. Another informal day in the year would bring in more singers and increase revenue. Other suggestions for raising funds are welcome.
Forecast for 2007 – 8
The treasurer commented that this forecast was particularly
difficult this year.
• Concerts: predicting small losses.
• Christmas: ticket prices to be reduced to a £7 flat rate
and uptake and comments monitored, in the hope of achieving a bigger audience.
• Rehearsal venue costs: these have gone up from £40 to £54
a week, because of increased utility bills incurred by the school. The
treasurer had been assured that if these costs come down then that saving
will be reflected in future hire charges. This increase has meant an extra
£600+ paid out over the year and the basis for the increase in membership
subscriptions to be proposed later in the agenda.
• Grants: nil. Making Music is now funded differently and currently
building an infrastructure of professional training and development officers,
based in the regions to give a better and more professional service to
societies.
Chesterfield Borough Council budget restrictions do not allow any grants
this year.
CAF Award: the competition would be entered again this financial year
The concert schedule had been programmed to allow management within budget.
Questions from the floor
David Boyce asked whether Gift Aid could be claimed against the income from ticket sales. The treasurer responded that tickets are sold as a service and not eligible for Gift Aid.
Stuart Robinson made the observation that it required a juggling act to budget for concerts and commended the treasurer.
Mike Little stated that Gift Aid is still worth having, even though the amount will decrease in the coming year, due to changes in the tax system.
Tony Hallam enquired about soloists costs and asked about contact with the Countess of Munster Trust.
The accounts were unanimously approved by the voting members present at the meeting and the treasurer was thanked for his hard work throughout the year. Thanks were also recorded to Deborah Lord, for her support and time given voluntarily to independently review the accounts. Jim Goldsmith proposed a vote of thanks to the treasurer.
Re-appointment of the Independent Examiner
The meeting unanimously approved the reappointment of Deborah Lord as Independent Examiner for the coming year.
8. Musical Director’s Report
Main points from the full report:
There have been some significant achievements during the past 12 months and some very memorable concerts in the 40th season, in which a high standard of performance had been achieved in all concerts. He had been extremely proud of the standard achieved and many choirs would struggle to reach that standard in performance. The Jenkins ‘Armed Man’ had been very special, Mendelsohn’s ‘Elijah’ a delight to perform and in marked contrast of style, the ‘Showstoppers’ Gala concert had been a delight, with a very special contribution by the children. The Choral day too had been a real success.
Once again, it was disappointing to perform to low audience numbers and he was depressed about the amount of money lost on concerts over the year. The Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir (CPC) is worth selling, our regular audience are testimony to that, but why the lack of success in attracting a wider audience base? It is very difficult and challenging to programme creatively without an orchestra.
As a choir WE must think of innovative ways of selling CPC, such as working with Arts and Business and gaining sponsorship from local businesses. The direct Arts Council grant has now ceased and other local grants previously won, must not be relied on, as there are so many calls on the little money there is available to support local groups.
Targets for the year:
• Increased membership; to increase subscriptions, audience base
and remove the risk of not achieving the expected level of performance
• Increase audience numbers and capitalise on performing to a high standard
• Increase the choir’s profile locally. Work with local schools
• Individually not to underestimate personal singing quality and ability; to have pride in ourselves and in the choir as a whole as a collective responsibility.
Targets will be met in one year if:
• An additional 20 members have been recruited
• Concert audiences are 250+
• Individual performance has improved and the choir as a whole is more confident in its own ability;
• Financial loss on each concert has been reduced
All of this would not be possible without the significant support of our exceptional accompanist and Deputy Musical Director Philip Hanwell, who has an innate musical ability and the ability to predict the MDs needs (and thoughts). He also acknowledged the contribution of Joan Smith, who has supported the Phil so exceptionally well.
Much appreciation must go to the Committee and its tireless energy in conducting the choir’s business, to ensure that we can continue to provide and promote such concerts. The committee has a very good balance of expertise and leadership to meet current challenges in running the choir’s business and he has confidence in that expertise. Special mention was made of the chairman’s leadership and the treasurer’s financial guidance, steering the choir through a difficult financial period.
Lastly, he thanked the choir for all the hard work during the year, and for the friendship and support to himself and to each other. He enjoyed the choir’s company and being here on Thursday evenings.
Final Draft Copy
Questions from the floor;
Naomi Woods asked how our choir compared to other choirs in the area?
The MD responded that everyone has difficulties, which is
not helped by the complete
lack of a dedicated performing arts facility locally.
Zena Botham made the comment that the Pomegranate Theatre was full for 4 nights each time the Gilbert and Sullivan Society put on a show. However, unless the theatre can be filled, this facility is too expensive for the choir.
9. Annual Subscriptions:
Membership subscription:
The committee recommended that the annual subscription be raised to £85
p.a. and a reduced rate of £70 for retired members / concessions.
This would cover the increased costs of hiring the school hall over the
year. Student members to remain free. Any member with a financial difficulty
can, as always, negotiate a personal rate with the treasurer, in confidence.
Proposed by Rachel Swann and Seconded by Mike Little. Agreed unanimously.
Friends’ subscription
The committee recommended that this remain at £30, with reduced
(child) prices on concert tickets. It is important to seek ways of increasing
the number of Friends
Proposed by Tony Hallam and seconded by Michael Brunton. Agreed unanimously.
10. Election of Officers:
The following were nominated for the 2007 / 2008 Season:
Post Chairman
Name Rachel Swann
Nominated by Mark Jarvis
Seconded by Andrew Heighton
Post Secretary
Name Angela Walker
Nominated by Nina Nelson
Seconded by Margaret Freeman
Post Treasurer
Name Mark Jarvis
Nominated by Jill Slater
Seconded by David Boyce
Post Choir Representative
Name Andrew Heighton
Nominated by Bronwen Humphrey
Seconded by Stuart Robinson
Post Committee Member
Name Trish Duckett
Nominated by Zena Botham
Seconded by Angela Walker
Post Committee Member
Name Miguel Camara
Nominated by Phyllis Mason
Seconded by Gwen Hallam
Post Committee Member
Name Bob Parnham
Nominated by John Hopkinson
Seconded by David Lumb
Post Committee Member
Name Lynda Oliver
Nominated by Janine Mannion Jones
Seconded by John Smith
Post Committee Member
Name Lynda Mitchell
Nominated by Angela Walker
Seconded by Rachel Swann
Post Committee Member
Name Ann Kenworthy
Nominated by Jenny Smith
Seconded by Jean Peppitt
Post Committee Member
Name Peter Jones
Nominated by Jill Slater
Seconded by Helen Chinn
Approved unanimously. No abstentions.
11. Life Membership:
One nomination this year was proposed, wholeheartedly supported by the
committee and proposed to the meeting.
Peter Davey is to retire as Front of House Manager at the end of 2007 after many years loyal and quietly efficient service. It is so easy to forget the Front of House team, who make such an important contribution to the smooth running of the concerts and are the choir’s ‘public face’. The testimony proposing his life membership was read to the meeting.
The membership showed their appreciation to Peter in the usual way and a garden gift token was presented to Peter and a plant to Joyce, who is also retiring from the team.
Peter responded that it had been a privilege and a pleasure to be part of and lead the FOH team and they will come back in future to enjoy the concerts, without any responsibilities.
12. Presentation to the Mayor
A cheque for £121 for the Rainbow Fund, the Mayor’s
chosen charity for the year, was presented. The Mayor thanked the choir
for the contribution to the fund, which had raised over £5,000 up
to present. It was hoped to raise £20,000 over the year.
13. Any Other Business:
None.
Thanks were expressed to Dennis, the School site Manager, for his tolerance and support throughout the year.
Angela Ward gave a spontaneous vote of thanks to the Chairman for her amusing, tolerant and efficient leadership.
14. Next Annual General Meeting:
To be held on Thursday October 9th 2008, at 7.15 p.m. at Ashgate
Croft School.
Final Draft Copy
Signed: _________________________________ Date: 9th October 2008
Rachel Swann, Chairman
| Kyrie Gloria Sanctus Benedictus Agnus Dei
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Kyrie Gloria Sanctus Benedictus Agnus Dei
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1. Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi Sors imanis et inanis, rota tu volubilis, status malus, vana salus semper dissolubilis,obumbrata et velata michi quoque niteris; nunc per ludum dorsum nudum fero tui sceleris. Sors salutis et virtutis michi nunc contraria, est affectus et defectus semper in angaria. Hac in hora sine mora corde pulsum tangite; quod per sortem sternit fortem, mecum omnes plangite! |
1. Fortune Empress of the World Fate - monstrous and empty, you whirling wheel, you are malevolent, well being is vain and always fades to nothing, shadowed and veiled you plague me too; now through the game I bring my bare back to your villainy. Fate is against me in health and virtue, driven on and weighted down, always enslaved. So at this hour without delay pluck the vibrating strings; since Fate strikes down the string man, everyone weep with me! |
| 2. Fortune plango vulnera Fortune plango vulnera stillantibus ocellis quod sua michi munera subrahit rebillis. Verum est, quod legitur, fronte capillata, sed plerumque sequitur Occasio calvata. In Fortune solio sederam elatus, prosperitatis vario flore coronatus; quicquid enim florui felix et beatus, nunc a sumo corrui gloria privatus.
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2. I bemoan the wounds of Fortune I bemoan the wounds of Fortune with weeping eyes, for the gifts she made me she perversely takes away. It is written in truth that she has a fine head of hair but, when it comes to seizing an opportunity, she is bald. On Fortune's throne I used to sit raised up, crowned with the many coloured flowers of prosperity; though I may have flourished happy and blessed, now I fall from the peak deprived of glory. The wheel of Fortune turns; I go down, demeaned; another is raised up; far too high up sits the king at the summit - let him fear ruin! for under the axis is written Queen Hecuba. |
Primo Vere 3. Veris leta facies Veris leta facies mundo propinatur, hiemalis acies victa iam fugatur, in vestitu vario Flora principatur, nemorum dulcisono que cantu celebratur.
Cytharizat cantico dulcis Philomena,flore rident vario prata iam serena, salit cetus avium silve per amena, chorus promit virgin iam gaudia millena. |
Spring 3 The merry face of Spring The merry face of Spring turns to the World, sharp Winter now flees, vanquished; bedecked in various colours Flora reigns, the harmony of the woods praises her in song. Ah! Lying in Flora's lap Phoebus once more smiles, now covered in many coloured flowers, Zephyr breathes nectar scented breezes. Let us rush to compete for love's prize. Ah! In harp-like tones sings the sweet nightingale, with many flowers the joyous meadows are laughing, a flock of birds rises up through the pleasant forests, the chorus of maidens already promises a thousand joys. Ah! |
4 Omnia sol temperat Omnia sol temperat purus et subtilis, novo mundo reserat faciem Aprilis, ad amorem properat animus herilis et iocundis imperat deus puerilis.
in solemni vere et veris auctoritas jubet nos gauderevias prebet solitas, et in tuo vere fides est et probitas tuum retinere. Ama me fideliter, fidem meam noto: de corde totaliter et ex mente tota, sum presentialiter absens in remota,.quisquis amat taliter, volvitur in rota. |
4 The Sun warms everything The Sun warms everything, pure and gentle, once again it reveals to the world April's face, the soul of man is urged towards love and joys are governed by the boy-god. All this rebirth in Spring's festivity and Spring's power bids us to rejoice; it shows us paths we know well, and in your Springtime it is true and right to keep what is yours. Love me faithfully! See how I am faithful: with all my heart and with all my soul I am with you even when I am far away. Whosoever loves this much turns on the wheel. |
5 Ecce gratum (Chorus) Ecce gratum et optatum Ver reducit gaudia, purpuratum floret pratum, Sol serenat omnia. Iamiam cedant tristia! Estas redit, nunc recedit Hyemis sevitia. Iam liquescit et decrescit grando, nix et cetera; bruma fugit, et iam sugit Ver Estatis ubera; illi mens est misera, qui nec vivit, nec lascivit sub Estatis dextera. Gloriantur et letantur in melle dulcedinis, qui conantur, ut utantur premio Cupidinis: simus jussu Cypridis gloriantes et letantes pares esse Paridis. Uf dem anger 6. Tanz |
5. Behold, the pleasant spring Behold, the pleasant and longed-for Spring brings back joyfulness; violet flowers fill the meadows, the Sun brightens everything, sadness is now at an end! Summer returns now withdraw the rigours of winter. Ah! Now melts and disappears ice, snow and the rest, Winter flees, and now Spring sucks at Summer's breast: a wretched soul is he who does not live or lust under Smmer's rule. Ah! They glory and rejoice in honeyed sweetness who strive to make use of Cupid's prize; at Venus' command let us glory and rejoice in being Paris' equals. Ah!
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7. Floret silva nobilis Floret silva nobilis floribus et foliis. (Small Chorus) (Chorus) Gruonet der walt allenthalben, wa ist min geselle alse lange? Der ist geriten hinnen, o wi, wer sol mich minnen? |
7. The woods are burgeoning The noble woods are burgeoning with flowers and leaves.
The woods are burgeoning all over, I am pining for my lover. The woods are turning green all over, why is my lover away so long? Ah! He has ridden off, Oh woe, who will love me? Ah! |
| 8. Chramer, gip die varwe mir Chramer, gip die varwe mir, die min wengel roete, damit ich die jungen man an ir dank der minnenliebe noete. Seht mich an, jungen man! lat mich iu gevallen! Minnet, tugentliche man, minnecliche frouwen! minne tuot iu hoch gemout unde lat iuch in hohen eren schouwen Seht mich an jungen man! lat mich iu gevallen! Wol dir, werit, daz du bist also freudenriche! ich will dir sin
undertan durch din liebe immer sicherliche. Seht mich an, jungen
man! lat mich iu gevallen! |
8. Shopkeeper, give me colour Shopkeeper, give me colour to make my cheeks red, so that I can make the young men love me, against their will. Look at me, young men! Let me please you! Good men, love women worthy of love! Love ennobles your spirit and gives you honour. Look at me, young men! Let me please you!
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| 9. Reie Swaz hie gat umbe Swaz hie gat umbe, daz sint alles megede, die wellent an man allen disen sumer gan! Chume, chum, geselle min Chume, chum, geselle min, ih enbite harte din, ih enbite harte din, chume, chum, geselle min. Suzer rosenvarwer munt, chum un mache mich gesunt chum un mache mich gesunt, suzer rosenvarwer munt
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9. Round dance Those who go round and round are all maidens, they want to do without a man all summer long. Ah! Sla! Come, come, my love, I long for you, I long for you, come, come, my love.
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10. Were diu werlt alle min Were diu werlt alle min von deme mere unze an den Rin des wolt ih mih darben, daz diu chunegin von Engellant lege an minen armen. Habitat ignavis. Via lata gradior more iuventutis inplicor et vitiis immemor virtutis, voluptatis avidus magis quam salutis, mortuus in anima curam gero cutis. Olim lacus colueram, olim pulcher extiteram, dum cignus ego fueram. Miser, miser! modo niger et ustus fortiter! (Tenor)Girat, regirat garcifer; me rogus urit fortiter; propinat me nunc dapifer, Nunc in scutella iaceo, et volitare nequeo dentes frendentes video:
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10. Were all the world mine Were all the world mine from the sea to the Rhine, I would starve myself of it so that the queen of England might lie in my arms. In a lazy heart. I travel the broad path as is the way of youth, I give myself to vice, unmindful of virtue, I am eager for the pleasures of the flesh more than for salvation, my soul is dead, so I shall look after the flesh. Once I lived on lakes, once I looked beautiful when I was a swan. Misery me! Now black and roasting fiercely! The servant is turning me on the spit; I am burning fiercely on the pyre: the steward now serves me up. Now I lie on a plate, and cannot fly anymore, I see bared teeth: |
IN TABERNA 11. Estuans interius Estuans interius ira vehementi in amaritudine loquor mee menti: factus de materia, cinis elementi similis sum folio, de quo ludunt venti. Cum sit enim proprium viro sapienti supra petram ponere sedem fundamenti, stultus ego comparor fluvio labenti, sub eodem tramite nunquam permanenti. Feror ego veluti sine nauta navis, ut per vias aeris vaga fertur avis; non me tenent vincula, non me tenet clavis, quero mihi similes et adiungor pravis. Mihi cordis gravitas res videtur gravis; iocis est amabilis dulciorque favis; quicquid Venus imperat, labor est suavis, que nunquam in cordibus habitat ignavis. Primo pro nummata vini, ex hac bibunt libertini; semel bibunt pro captivis, post hec bibunt ter pro vivis, quater pro Christianis cunctis quinquies pro fidelibus defunctis, sexies pro sororibus vanis, septies pro militibus silvanis. Octies pro fratribus perversis, nonies pro monachis dispersis, decies pro navigantibus undecies pro discordaniibus, duodecies pro penitentibus, tredecies pro iter agentibus. Tam pro papa quam pro rege bibunt omnes sine lege. Bibit hera, bibit herus, bibit miles, bibit clerus, bibit ille, bibit illa, bibit servis cum ancilla, bibit velox, bibit piger, bibit albus, bibit niger, bibit constans, bibit vagus, bibit rudis, bibit magnus. Bibit pauper et egrotus, bibit exul et ignotus, bibit puer, bibit canus, bibit presul et decanus, bibit soror, bibit frater, bibit anus, bibit mater, bibit ista, bibit ille, bibunt centum, bibunt mille.
Parum sexcente nummate durant, cum immoderate bibunt omnes sine meta. Quamvis bibant mente leta, sic nos rodunt omnes gentes et sic erimus egentes. Qui nos rodunt confundantur et cum iustis non scribantur.
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11. Burning Inside Burning inside with violent anger, bitterly I speak to my heart: created from matter, of the ashes of the elements, I am like a leaf played with by the winds. If it is the way of the wise man to build foundations on stone, then I am a fool, like a flowing stream, which in its course never changes. I am carried along like a ship without a steersman, and in the paths of the air like a light, hovering bird; chains cannot hold me, keys cannot imprison me, I look for people like me and join the wretches. The heaviness of my heart seems like a burden to me; it is pleasant to joke and sweeter than honeycomb; whatever Venus commands is a sweet duty, she never dwells in a lazy heart. First of all it is to the wine-merchant that the libertines drink, one for the prisoners, three for the living, four for all Christians, five for the faithful dead, six for the loose sisters, seven for the footpads in the wood, Eight for the errant brethren, nine for the dispersed monks, ten for the seamen, eleven for the squabblers, twelve for the penitent, thirteen for the wayfarers. To the Pope as to the king they all drink without restraint. The mistress drinks, the master drinks, the soldier drinks, the priest drinks, the man drinks, the woman drinks, the servant drinks with the maid, the swift man drinks, the lazy man drinks, the white man drinks, the black man drinks, the settled man drinks, the wanderer drinks, the stupid man drinks, the wise man drinks, The poor man drinks, the sick man drinks, the exile drinks, and the stranger, the boy drinks, the old man drinks, the bishop drinks, and the deacon, the sister drinks, the brother drinks, the old lady drinks, the mother drinks, this man drinks, that man drinks, a hundred drink, a thousand drink. Six hundred pennies would hardly suffice, if everyone drinks immoderately and immeasurably. However much they cheerfully drink We are the ones whom everyone scolds, and thus we are destitute. May those who slander us be cursed and may their names not be written in the book of the righteous. |
| III. COUR D'AMOURS 13. Ego sum abbas Ego sum abbas Cucaniensis et consilium meum est cum bibulis, et in secta Decii voluntas mea est, et qui mane me quesierit in taberna,post vesperam nudus egredietur, et sic denudatus veste clamabit: Wafna, wafna! quid fecisti sors turpassi Nostre vite gaudia abstulisti omnia!
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13. I am the abbot I am the abbot of Cockaigne and my assembly is one of drinkers, and I wish to be in the order of Decius, and whoever searches me out at the tavern in the morning, after Vespers he will leave naked, and thus stripped of his clothes he will call out: Woe! Woe! what have you done, vilest Fate? The joys of my life you have taken all away!
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| 14. In taberna quando sumus In taberna quando sumus non curamus quid sit humus, sed ad ludum properamus, cui semper insudamus. Quid agatur in taberna ubi nummus est pincerna, hoc est opus ut queratur, si quid loquar, audiatur. Quidam ludunt, quidam bibunt, quidam indiscrete vivunt. Sed in ludo qui morantur, ex his quidam denudantur quidam ibi vestiuntur, quidam saccis induuntur. Ibi nullus timet mortem sed pro Baccho mittunt sortem:
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14. When we are in the tavern When we are in the tavern, we do not think how we will go to dust, but we hurry to gamble, which always makes us sweat. What happens in the tavern, where money is host, you may well ask, and hear what I say. Some gamble, some drink, some behave loosely. But of those who gamble, some are stripped bare, some win their clothes here, some are dressed in sacks. Here no-one fears death, but they throw the dice in the name of Bacchus. |
15. Amor volat undique Amor volat undique, captus est libidine. Iuvenes, uvencule coniunguntur merito. Siqua sine socio, caret omni gaudio; tenet noctis infima sub intimo cordis in custodia: fit res amarissima.
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15. Cupid flies everywhere Cupid flies everywhere seized by desire. Young men and women are rightly coupled. The girl without a lover misses out on all pleasures, she keeps the dark night hidden in the depth of her heart; it is a most bitter fate.
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16. Dies, nox et omnia Dies, nox et omnia michi sunt contraria; virginum colloquia me fay planszer, oy suvenz suspirer, plu me fay temer. O sodales, ludite, vos qui scitis dicite michi mesto parcite, grand ey dolur, attamen consulite per voster honur.
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16. Day, night and everything Day, night and everything is against me, the chattering of maidens makes me weep, and often sigh, and, most of all, scares me. O friends, you are making fun of me, you do not know what you are saying, spare me, sorrowful as I am, great is my grief, advise me at least, by your honour. Your beautiful face, makes me weep a thousand times, your heart is of ice. As a cure, I would be revived by a kiss. |
17. Stetit puella Stetit puella rufa tunica; si quis eam tetigit, tunica crepuit. Eia. Stetit puella tamquam rosula; facie splenduit, os eius fioruit. Eia.
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17. A girl stood A girl stood in a red tunic; if anyone touched it, the tunic rustled. Eia! A girl stood like a little rose: her face was radiant and her mouth in bloom. Eia!
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18. Circa mea pectora (Baritone and Chorus)Circa mea pectora multa sunt suspiria de tua pulchritudine, que me ledunt misere. Manda liet, Manda liet min geselle chumet niet. Tui lucent oculi sicut solis radii, sicut splendor fulguris lucem donat tenebris. |
18. In my heart In my heart there are many sighs for your beauty, which wound me sorely. Ah! Mandaliet, mandaliet, my lover does not come. Your eyes shine like the rays of the sun, like the flashing of lightening which brightens the darkness. Ah! May God grant, may the gods grant what I have in mind: that I may loose the chains of her virginity. Ah! |
19. Si puer cum puellula Si puer cum puellula moraretur in cellula, felix coniunctio. Amore suscrescente pariter e medio avulso procul tedio, fit ludus ineffabilis membris, lacertis, labii
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19. If a boy with a girl If a boy with a girl tarries in a little room, happy is their coupling. Love rises up, and between them prudery is driven away, an ineffable game begins in their limbs, arms and lips.
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20.Veni, veni, venias Veni, veni, venias ne me mori facias, hyrca, hyrce, nazaza, trillirivos... Pulchra tibi facies oculorum acies, capillorum series, o quam clara species! Rosa rubicundior, lilio candidior omnibus formosior, semper in te glorior!
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20. Come, come, O come Come, come, O come do not let me die, hycra, hycre, nazaza, trillirivos! Beautiful is your face, the gleam of your eye, your braided hair, what a glorious creature! redder than the rose, whiter than the lily, lovelier than all others, I shall always glory in you!
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21. In truitina In truitina mentis dubia fluctuant contraria lascivus amor et pudicitia. Sed eligo quod video, collum iugo prebeo: ad iugum tamen suave transeo.
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21. In the balance In the wavering balance of my feelings set against each other lascivious love and modesty. But I choose what I see, and submit my neck to the yoke; I yield to the sweet yoke.
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22. Tempus es iocundum Tempus es iocundum, o virgines, modo congaudete vos iuvenes. Oh, oh, oh, totus floreo, iam amore virginali totus ardeo, novus, novus amorest, quo pereo. Mea me confortat promissio, mea me deportat Tempore brumali vir patiens, animo vernali lasciviens. Mea mecum ludit virginitas, mea me detrudit simplicitas. (Chorus)Veni, domicella, cum gaudio, veni, veni, pulchra, iam pereo.
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22. This is the joyful time This is the joyful time, O maidens, rejoice with them, young men! Oh! Oh! Oh! I am bursting out all over! I am burning all over with first love! New, new love is what I am dying of! I am heartened by my promise, I am downcast by my refusal. In the Winter man is patient, the breath of Spring makes him lust. My virginity makes me frisky, my simplicity holds me back. Come, my mistress, with joy, come, come, my pretty, I am dying!
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23. Dulcissime Dulcissime, totam tibi subdo me! Blanziflor Et Helena
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23. Sweetest one Sweetest one! Ah! I give myself to you totally!
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24. Ave formosissima Ave formosissima, gemma pretiosa, ave decus virginum, virgo gloriosa, ave mundi luminar, ave mundi rosa, Blanziflor et Helena, Venus generosa! Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi
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24. Hail, most beautiful one. Hail, most beautiful one, precious jewel, Hail, pride among virgins glorious virgin, Hail. light of the world, Hail, rose of the world, Blanchefleur and Helen, noble Venus!
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| 25. O Fortuna | 25. O Fortune |