Most people think of St. Nicholas as a jolly old elf who brings presents to children on Christmas eve. But there was a real St. Nicholas, born in what is now Turkey around the year 300, an orphan who inherited great wealth and gave it away to the poor, and who, as a church leader performed miracles and many acts of protective heroism in defense of his congregation. The legends, some of which are quite strange and even bizarre, began 500 years after his death. Eventually a cult arose to honor his life and works, leading to yearly celebrations on December 6, the supposed day of his death. During the 9th and 10th centuries, tributes to certain saints were added to the Roman liturgy; among the most popular subjects was St. Nicholas. It is from this Liturgy of St. Nicholas and from the many hymns, responsories, and polyphonic motets associated with this revered figure that the inimitable female quartet Anonymous 4 formed this beautiful program. If you’ve heard these singers before, you know–and expect–that they will perform an impeccably polished, perfectly blended, sensitively expressive, thoroughly researched, and intelligently organized concert, and there’s absolutely nothing here that will disappoint you. Among the selections are texts taken from The Gilte Legende, a medieval source of St. Nicholas stories, which the ensemble has set to music chosen from Middle English song and chant. A highlight is the sweet little medieval English song, “Sainte nicholaes”, one of the oldest of its kind, and a perfect gem of melody and simple, sparkling harmony, treated to the most sensitive ensemble singing you’ll ever hear.
