For Saint Cecilia's Day

Benjamin Britten's Hymn  to Saint Cecilia, a setting of W.H. Auden's poem.
The Cambridge Singers conducted by John Rutter with soloists Caroline Ashton, Donna Deam, Susanna Spicer, Angus Smith and Charles Pott.

"...O weep, child, weep, O weep away the stain. 
O law drummed out by hearts against the still 
Long winter of our intellectual will. 
That what has been may never be again. 
O flute that throbs with the thanksgiving breath 
Of convalescents on the shores of death. 
O bless the freedom that you never chose.
O trumpets that unguarded children blow 
About the fortress of their inner foe. 
O wear your tribulation like a rose. 
Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions 
To all musicians, appear and inspire: 
Translated Daughter, come down and startle 
Composing mortals with immortal fire."