for mixed chorus and Renaissance band (cornetto, two sackbutts, kurtal, and percussion).
Commissioned by Magen Solomon and the San Francisco Bach Choir.
Duration: about 7 min
Note: Modern carols that mention holly and ivy present them as bland companions. Older carols, such as the medieval ones this piece is based on, present holly and ivy as rivals, contending for superiority. Since holly represents the men, and ivy the women, we see that their contention mirrors the rivalry of the sexes. It is clear that some of these pieces were danced or acted as they were sung. In the original carols, the refrains were in Latin or English, but I adjusted them to French at the request of Magen Solomon.
Here is a recording.
All: Holly and Ivy could not agree,
Which should have the mastery
In lands where they may go.
Men: First spoke Holly: I am fresh and jolly!
Let Holly have the mastery in lands where we may go.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia chantons tous!
In comes Holly that is so gent;
To please all men is his intent.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia chantons tous!
So Lord and Lady who rule this hall,
Let no one here here against Holly call.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia chantons tous!
Women: Next spoke Ivy, I am loud and I am proud.
Let Ivy have the mastery in lands where we may go.
Viens! Viens! Viens! Reine des arbres!
The most worthy she is in town,
He that saith other doth amisse.
She alone should bear the crown.
Viens! Viens! Viens, Reine des arbres!
Ivy is soft and meek of speech,
Against all bale she is blisse:
Well is he that may her reach,
Viens, viens, viens! Reine des Arbres!
Men: Nay, Ivy, Nay! It shall not be we know!
Let Holly have the mastery in lands where we may go!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia chantons tous!
If any here against Holly do cry,
In a lepe shall he hang full high.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia chantons tous!
If any here against Holly do sing,
May he weep and handes wring.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia chantons tous!
Women: Nay Holly, Nay! It shall not be, we know,
Let Ivy have the mastery In lands where we may go.
Viens! Viens! Viens, Reine des arbres!
Ivy is green with colors bright,
Of all the trees the best she is,
And we will show that we are right.
Viens! Viens! Viens, Reine des arbres!
Ivy beareth berries black,
God grant us all His His blisse,
And thereby shall we nothing lack,
Viens! Viens! Viens, Reine des arbres!
Men: Nay, Ivy, Nay, Let Holly have the mastery!
Women: Nay, Holly, nay! Let Ivy have the mastery!
All: Till this contention shall ended be,
Let neither have the mastery
In lands where we may go.