Novo profusi gaudio

Matthew Martin read music at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was an organ scholar under Bill Ives. After further study with David Titterington and Naji Hakim at the Royal Academy of Music, and Marie-Claire Alain in Paris, he went on to hold positions at New College, Oxford, and Canterbury Cathedral, before spending six years as Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, where he was involved in numerous high-profile events, recordings, and broadcasts. In 2010 he left Westminster to devote more of his time to composing and he is quickly building a reputation as one of the most exciting and original voices on the choral scene. His works are frequently performed and broadcast, and he has received commissions from many renowned groups, including the BBC Singers, the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, and The Cardinall's Musick. In 2006 he was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Those in the throes of planning their Christmas services and who are looking for a neo-medieval challenge will enjoy the festive 12/8 of Matthew Martin's Novo profusi gaudio. This carol was first performed last December by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, which gives an indication of the forces and technical know-how required to do the piece justice. Helpfully, the SATB parts don't divide, but wilful rhythmic confidence is required throughout.