for SATB unaccompaniedA simple setting of this popular medieval Advent carol which has great originality and impact. The style is controlled, almost austere, and the effect is hypnotic. This is an unsettling but poignant piece that forces the listener to confront the mystery of Christ's coming foretold in the words.
Howard Skempton (b.1947)
"This setting might be fairly described as an old wine in new bottle, this setting providing a refreshing change from complicated harmonies suitable only for choirs of a professional standard. It should be a welcome addition to the libraries of parish churches with an intermediate choral standard, and being only four pages long, will not break the bank of smaller parish churches, whose clergy will appreciate a change from the usual Advent and Christmas offerings." - Henry Howell, Australian Music Teacher, Sept 03
"Howard Skempton's setting is original and exciting . . . if performed well this carol would enliven any service or concert." - Michael Nicholas CMQ September 02
" Adam lay y-bounden , written in 1999, may look like a simple A minor SATB carol, and indeed it cannot be especially challenging to sing. Yet the calm of its insistent ostinati, gently tossed between the voices, is always just undermined by a syncopated soprano line that can never quite be taken for granted." - Matthew Greenall, The Singer June 2002
