Froxfield Choir

Benjamin Britten: Hymn to Saint Peter (1955)

Written in 1955, the last work Britten composed before leaving for the Far East and thus representative of the culmination of his style before those new influences occurred. It was first performed in St Peter Mancroft, Norwich as part of the church’s quincentenary celebrations. The text is from the Gradual of the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul

Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth; they shall remember Thy name, O Lord.
Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee; therefore shall the people praise thee.
Alleluia.
Thou art Peter. And upon this rock I will build my church.
Alleluia.