This Ember Night

The composer’s poem is based on the early 15th Century Middle English carol ‘This Endris Night’, that is cast as a discourse between Mary and the infant Jesus, where her lament alternates with his responses on what the future holds. In the arrangement the sacred meaning is combined with the secular tradition of Ember Days, so that it is not clear whether the poem is religious or secular, nor if the poet is expressing personal belief or  musing on the passing of the year. The composition worked so wonderfully with the themes of the VOCES8 album, Equinox.


The internationally-renowned British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. The celebration of diverse musical expression is central to the ensemble’s ethos, and this is shown in their versatile concert programmes and innovative educational work.

The ‘VOCES8 singles’ series includes songs for which the group is particularly well known and which have been composed or arranged specifically for VOCES8.