The Holy Boy

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The Holy Boy is a short composition by the English composer John Ireland. Alongside his setting of the hymn "My Song Is Love Unknown", it is probably his best-known work. Originally for solo piano, Ireland arranged it for various other forces over nearly 30 years. [1] A performance takes about 3 minutes. [2]

The original version is from Christmas 1913, and was published in 1915 as The Holy Boy –A Carol, the third item in his four Preludes for Piano . It was composed while Ireland was the organist at St Luke's Church, Chelsea, inspired by a chorister at the church called Bobby Glassby, who became one of the composer's protégés. Andrew Burn suggests that a text by Harold Munro may have provided the title. [3]

Musically, it features an ostensibly simple melody; but as with many of Ireland's works, the harmonic structure is more complex. His biographer Muriel Searle has said, "Simple to the point of austerity, The Holy Boy remains one of the public's favourite Ireland works." [4] Burn writes, "With its wistful melody and subtle shifts of harmony it is quintessential Ireland". [3]

Arrangements

The following arrangements are by the composer except where specified. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 "List of works – G to I". The John Ireland Trust. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  2. ↑ John Ireland: The Holy Boy, prelude for piano (from Preludes (4)) at AllMusic . Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 Andrew Burn, Notes to Naxos 8.557777 - Ireland: String Quartets Nos. 1 and 2 / The Holy Boy
  4. ↑ Searle, Muriel (October 1979). John Ireland – The Man and His Music . Midas Books. p.  37. ISBN   978-0859361903.
  5. ↑ Richard, Fiona (29 December 2000). The Music of John Ireland. Ashgate Publishing. p. 147. ISBN   978-0754601111.
  6. ↑ "The Holy Boy: a Carol of the Nativity". recmusic.org. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  7. ↑ Howell, Christopher. "Ireland: Sea Fever, The Vagabond; Rubbra, Quilter / Terfel, Ferrier". ArkivMusic.
  8. ↑ The Holy Boy : a carol of the nativity, for chorus of mixed voices (S.C.T.B.) unaccompanied. OCLC   760310644 . Retrieved 1 May 2015– via worldcat.org.
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