Video Information

• Choir: St Peter's Singers of Leeds
• Piece: If the Lord had not helped me
• Composer:  Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow
• Conductor:  Dr Simon Lindley
• Voices:  SATB
• Genres: Sacred
• Composed in 1910 in thanksgiving for the safe recovery of the Vicar of Leeds of the day from serious and potential life-threatening illness, 'If the Lord had not helped me' is of Bairstow's earliest masterpieces. The warmth of expression at the words 'Thy...  moreComposed in 1910 in thanksgiving for the safe recovery of the Vicar of Leeds of the day from serious and potential life-threatening illness, 'If the Lord had not helped me' is of Bairstow's earliest masterpieces. The warmth of expression at the words 'Thy mercy, O Lord, held me up' achieves a consummate beauty so characteristic of Bairstow at his most deeply felt. A richly-scored bass solo is a notable characteristic of the work, and the grandeur of the choral writing gives more than a hint of the terrific Easter-tide Anthem 'Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously' that was the next year to follow from the composer's pen.
  
  This performance was recorded in Leeds Minster on Sunday 28th April 2013 during the recital of 'Music with Minster connections' sung by St Peter's Singers of Leeds, directed by Dr Simon Lindley. The organist is David Houlder and the bass soloist is Quentin Brown.
  
  Leeds Minster, formerly Leeds Parish Church, has a long and distinguished musical history. The list of organists and past organists of the Parish Church of St Peter-at-Leeds is outstanding. 'Music with Minster connections' celebrated both this heritage and the status of Leeds Minster with music from its famous composers since the consecration of the then-new building on 2nd September 1841, over 171 years ago.
  
  More details about St Peter's Singers, including forthcoming concerts, recitals and liturgical performances, may be found on our website www.stpeters-singers.org.uk and on our Facebook group page 'St Peter's Singers of Leeds'  less