Nolo mortem peccatoris

Commissioned by the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge. World Première at the Advent Carol Services on 29th & 30th November 2025, St John’s College, Cambridge. Christopher Gray, Director of Music.

Nolo mortem peccatoris programme notes

I am currently working on an opera, A Christmas Miracle, setting the mediaeval Chester Mystery Plays. I have been happily living with the look and sound of mediaeval words and fall of the phrases which combine moments of unpredictable beauty with raucous acuity.

But I worked on the late mediaeval text of Nolo mortem peccatoris with the special thrill at the fact that these words had not be sung for centuries, and their original melody remains unknown.

The scenario is dramatic and multi-layered — opening with the infant Jesus beseeching God to spare humankind — “Father my will it is”.

This Advent carol moves from the dark to light — from the terrifying prospect of death to “joy and mirth” of a new beginning.

Errollyn Wallen

September 2025

This is a digital product (PDF). In order to prevent copyright infringement, the minimum order quantity for performing this piece is 9 prints. Please get in touch with us if you require fewer. Perusal copy includes redacted bars on each system.