Autograph musical manuscript signed twice by Britten, six pages on two sets of adjoining sheets, 6.75 x 10, January 19, 1961, signed and inscribed on the cover sheet in fountain pen "For John Hahessy, Corpus Christi Carol, (from 'A Boy was Born'), Benjamin Britten." Britten pens the music and lyrics for the complete song, dedicating it to John Hahessy, a boy soprano who worked with Britten often and premiered several of his works. In fine condition. Accompanied by a manuscript of the vocal part only that was used by John Hahessy to learn his part for the premiere, penned in the hand of Imogene Holst (1907-1984)—she was the only child of Gustav Holst and was a composer, arranger conductor, teacher, musicologist and musical administrator. Holst worked as Britten’s assistant from the early 1950s until 1964; she taught and coached the young boy soprano, John Hahessy, on the Corpus Christ Carol for the premier.
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