Iain Farrington

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  • Home
  • Biography
    • London 2012 Olympics
    • The Coronation 2023
  • Compositions
    • Orchestra
    • Piano
    • Organ
    • Chamber
    • Vocal & Choral
    • Brass Band
  • Arrangements
    • Symphony Orchestra
    • Chamber Orchestra
    • Chamber Music
    • Choral
    • Vocal
    • Piano/Organ
    • Musical Theatre
    • Opera
    • Jazz/Pop/Folk Songs
    • Piano reductions
    • Elgar Complete Edition
    • List of orchestral performers
  • Pianist
    • Mahler Piano Series
  • Organist
  • Art Deco Trio
  • Recordings
  • Diary
  • Contact
Picture
Nova, nova
​for SATB Choir and Brass Band


Nova, nova is a setting of a traditional English text from the 15th century, based on St Luke's Gospel. It tells of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary with news that she will give birth to Jesus. The music is jazz-influenced with its bluesy harmonic inflections, rhythmic drive, percussive effects and exuberant energy. In the final section, the mood becomes openly joyful and breaks out into a scene of celebration.   

Duration: 4'30 mins

This version was made for the Halifax Choral Society and the Black Dyke Band. A live performance can be heard here:

Nova, Nova (4'14)

The music is available to purchase from the Aria Editions website here.

​Instrumentation - SATB choir, brass band:
Eb soprano cornet, Bb solo cornet, Bb repiano cornets, 2nd and 3rd Bb cornets, Bb flugelhorn, Eb solo horn, 1st and 2nd horns, 2 baritone horns, 2 trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, Eb bass, Bb bass, drum kit (hi-hat, snare drum, cymbal), tambourine, bass drum
Nova! Nova!
Gabriel of high degree,
He came down from the Trinity
From Nazareth to Galilee,

He met a maiden in a place;
He kneeled down before her face;
He said: "Hail, Mary, full of grace!"

When the maiden saw all this,
She was sore abashed, ywis,
Lest that she had done amiss.

Then said the angel: "Dread not you,
You shall conceive in all virtue
A child whose name shall be Jesu."

Then said the maid: “Verily,
I am your servant truly,
Ecce ancilla Domini.”
Nova! Nova!

Traditional