"Angel Musicians" by Fra Angelico‘To Nicholas Wilton’ by Joseph Charles MacKenzie The Society December 2, 2018 Beauty, Culture, Poetry 19 Comments Traditional Sacred Polyphonist of England Wilton! Could music make the dead to rise, Spare life its toil, move wills from sloth, Bind happy lovers in their troth, Or lift a heart to soar upon the skies, Rather would I your holy strains to hear, That breathe of the eternal life And free the spirit of its strife, As if to sanctify the human ear. Our times find balance in your measured tones That raise the sweetness of your lays To heights of consecrated praise Resounding in the far celestial zones! Through you the souls of Tallis and of Byrd Respire the chaste sobriety Of England’s antique piety In youthful melodies before unheard. May you, who snatched from Orpheus his lyre, To play it at Our Lady’s feet, Forever make man’s heart to beat With love of Him who fuels your music’s fire! © Joseph Charles MacKenzie Joseph Charles MacKenzie is a traditional lyric poet, the only American to have won Scottish International Poetry Competition. His poetry has appeared in The New York Times, The Scotsman (Edinburgh), The Independent (London), US News and World Report, Google News, and many other outlets. He writes primarily for the Society of Classical Poets (New York) and Trinacria (New York). MacKenzie has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Trending now: 19 Responses Joseph S. Salemi December 2, 2018 I like the use of two tetrameter lines between the first and last pentameter lines of each couplet. This emphasizes MacKenzie’s choriambic rhyme scheme. And MacKenzie did well to use the modern “you” and “your” pronouns here, instead of the older “thou” and “thy” forms, which would have added too much of an antique cast to the poem, which is addressed to a living person. And although this is a profoundly Christian poem, it makes perfect use of the classical myth of Orpheus descending to the netherworld with his lyre to summon back his beloved to the land of the living. Nicholas Wilton is bringing back an endangered tradition of sacred polyphonic music — one that many persons may have despaired of ever hearing again. Reply Joseph S. Salemi December 2, 2018 Did I say “couplet”? I meant quatrain, of course. Reply Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 3, 2018 Oh yes, this was understood. Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 2, 2018 Thank you, Dr. Salemi, for your appreciation. Indeed, the theme of Orpheus is prepared in the very first line of the poem, “Could music make the dead to rise…” And you could not be more on point in relating to this theme the resurrection of England’s proud traditions of sacred polyphony, especially as Wilton’s various Mass settings are increasingly performed not only by traditionalist choirs for liturgical purposes, but also by quite a number of other kinds of choral groups throughout the world. Reply Nicholas MacKenzie Wilton September 3, 2021 Fantastic poem–gave me a hoot too, considering my name! Nicholas Wilton September 12, 2021 Dear MacKenzie, I just revisited your very fine poem about my little sub-creations which I do not often do as I don’t think a very good idea for me. I am pleased that the gentleman in question liked it. I guess, judging by his name, that he is both a poet and composer. We’d better look out! In the Holy Name of Mary, Wilton Ben Whitworth September 19, 2021 This is an exquisite tribute to one of our most talented living composers. Bravo! Buceli da Werse December 2, 2018 1. Mr. MacKenzie’s poem, Wilton’s music, and the paintings of Fra Angelico bring to mind some of the meanings of the word classical. 2. As Mr. Salemi has pointed out, Mr. Mackenzie uses the classical literary myth of Orpheus in “To Nicholas Wilton”. What I like about the poem is its drawing attention to the music of a contemporary of ours, Nicholas Wilton, a polyphonist of England. 3. Ironically, it was the classical period in music (c. 1770-1800) that disregarded the complexities of polyphonic Baroque music, and introduced, what perhaps could be called a grander simplicity. 4. In painting, the classical period of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, gives way to the Mannerists; but somewhat earlier, Fra Angelico (1395-1455), from the opening of the Renaissance, demonstrates a purity in his painting that is breathtaking in its simplicity; at moments one feels as if one is with Giotto, and then the later it is as if one has stepped into a newer world. 5. A painting of Fra Angelico’s that inspired me some years ago with the following bilding was The Deposition from the Cross. Completed on the Death of Lorenzo Monaco The Deposition by Fra Angelico is grand. As in a triptych there are three divided parts. The cross is in the center, where two ladders stand, as Jesus Christ is taken down by sturdy hearts. The vivid reds and pinks in gowns and hats entwine with dark green grass and trees. Wherever the eye darts one sees contrasts. Around, the golden haloes shine, while skies of blue are bright with angels, clouds and light. The kissing of the feet by Mary Magdalene anchors the left with women; men fill up the right. At left the castled town; at right are hills and land; the x holds Jesus’ blood-touched body wrapped in white. Reply Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 3, 2018 Yes, it is truly gratifying to have in our midst a composer who possesses virtually everything Byrd possessed, but who goes well beyond in so many ways, always remaining true to the best principles of tradition in everything he does. Reply James A. Tweedie December 2, 2018 Mr. McKenzie, This poem is yet another fine example of your personal style of lyric verse. I particularly like the way you begin the poem with an off-iambic, emphatic “Wilton!” This is unexpected and very effective, I think. It is not as effective, however, when the word “Rather” is used to introduce the second stanza. An iamb is called for here. Perhaps something like, “Yet I would choose your holy strains to hear” although using the contraction “I’d” would offer other alternatives. As usual, you save the best for the last. Your closing stanza brings your paean to Wilton to a triumphant conclusion, serving the same function as the closing couplet in a sonnet. Also, thank you for introducing us to a young composer who, in the same spirit as SCP, seeks to celebrate, nourish and resurrect old form and styles for the edification of a culturally-starved generation. Reply Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 3, 2018 Yes, Mr. Tweedie, I certainly share your sense of gratification in the knowledge that we of the SCP are not alone. I am moreover convinced that the return to classic principles of art is a movement of international significance, not by any means limited to the Anglo-American world. Reply James Eliot December 2, 2018 The poem’s purity of style and formal perfection pay just tribute to Nicholas Wilton. This poem does honor to England. Reply Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 3, 2018 Indeed, Mr. Eliot, England is justifiably proud of so faithful a composer. Some of the best musicians in London whom I know personally will tell you the same. I thank you for your most kind and generous compliment, but must assure you that the merits of my poem owe everything to Mr. Wilton. Reply Nicholas Wilton December 3, 2018 I am not quite sure whether I am allowed to join in this discussion as Joseph Charles MacKenzie’s poem is about my music but I should like to express my sincere gratitude to him for his very fine poem. There is something of the Divine in all MacKenzie’s poems which might go to explain why they are so very good. I am also extremely touched and humbled by the gracious comments which have been made about my little sub-creations. Reply The Society December 4, 2018 Dear Mr. Wilton, You are absolutely welcome to join the discussion! Thank you for sharing your sublime music through the creation of the video that has been posted and for inspiring Mr. MacKenzie to produce such a rousing poem. A new era of artistic achievement lies before us and the convergence of artistic disciplines is a natural outcome and something we encourage. Kind regards, Evan Mantyk SCP President & Editor Reply Nicholas Wilton December 5, 2018 Dear Mr Mantyk, I should like to thank you for posting on the Society of Classical Poets web site the video presentation of four of my sacred choral pieces in relation to Mr MacKenzie’s fine poem about my music, which was kindly made for me by the American composer and pianist, Jack Gibbons, to whom I am very grateful. If any members of the Society of Classical Poets like traditional classical piano music I have a CD of my own entitled “Music for Piano”, played by the virtuoso pianist, Alexei Knupffer, which can be listened to here: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/nicholaswilton and the physical CD purchased here: https://www.tutti.co.uk/cds/music-piano-nicholas-wilton-NSWIN-CDNW2-R3 Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 5, 2018 Dear Mr. Mantyk, May I please draw to your kind attention and that of our readers to the fact that some of Mr. Wilton’s finest compositions have been recorded by the internationally celebrated choral ensemble, Magnificat (Philip Cave director), and are available in the form of a beautifully produced CD, entitled, “Sacred Choral Music by Nicholas Wilton” here: http://bit.ly/2UgK3ad Members and readers of the Society of Classical Poets would do well to acquire this harbinger of what you have rightly called a “new era of artistic achievement”—the ideal Christmas gift for family, friends, and loved ones. C.B. Anderson December 3, 2018 It is appropriate that the words of two masters of rhythm and tone should appear contiguously here. I should feel grateful that I am subscribed to the comments at SCP. Reply Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 4, 2018 You are very kind, Mr. Anderson. I realize that you and I and many others throughout the world stand together in defending the immemorial principles of the beautiful in human arts and letters. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Joseph S. Salemi December 2, 2018 I like the use of two tetrameter lines between the first and last pentameter lines of each couplet. This emphasizes MacKenzie’s choriambic rhyme scheme. And MacKenzie did well to use the modern “you” and “your” pronouns here, instead of the older “thou” and “thy” forms, which would have added too much of an antique cast to the poem, which is addressed to a living person. And although this is a profoundly Christian poem, it makes perfect use of the classical myth of Orpheus descending to the netherworld with his lyre to summon back his beloved to the land of the living. Nicholas Wilton is bringing back an endangered tradition of sacred polyphonic music — one that many persons may have despaired of ever hearing again. Reply
Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 2, 2018 Thank you, Dr. Salemi, for your appreciation. Indeed, the theme of Orpheus is prepared in the very first line of the poem, “Could music make the dead to rise…” And you could not be more on point in relating to this theme the resurrection of England’s proud traditions of sacred polyphony, especially as Wilton’s various Mass settings are increasingly performed not only by traditionalist choirs for liturgical purposes, but also by quite a number of other kinds of choral groups throughout the world. Reply
Nicholas Wilton September 12, 2021 Dear MacKenzie, I just revisited your very fine poem about my little sub-creations which I do not often do as I don’t think a very good idea for me. I am pleased that the gentleman in question liked it. I guess, judging by his name, that he is both a poet and composer. We’d better look out! In the Holy Name of Mary, Wilton
Ben Whitworth September 19, 2021 This is an exquisite tribute to one of our most talented living composers. Bravo!
Buceli da Werse December 2, 2018 1. Mr. MacKenzie’s poem, Wilton’s music, and the paintings of Fra Angelico bring to mind some of the meanings of the word classical. 2. As Mr. Salemi has pointed out, Mr. Mackenzie uses the classical literary myth of Orpheus in “To Nicholas Wilton”. What I like about the poem is its drawing attention to the music of a contemporary of ours, Nicholas Wilton, a polyphonist of England. 3. Ironically, it was the classical period in music (c. 1770-1800) that disregarded the complexities of polyphonic Baroque music, and introduced, what perhaps could be called a grander simplicity. 4. In painting, the classical period of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, gives way to the Mannerists; but somewhat earlier, Fra Angelico (1395-1455), from the opening of the Renaissance, demonstrates a purity in his painting that is breathtaking in its simplicity; at moments one feels as if one is with Giotto, and then the later it is as if one has stepped into a newer world. 5. A painting of Fra Angelico’s that inspired me some years ago with the following bilding was The Deposition from the Cross. Completed on the Death of Lorenzo Monaco The Deposition by Fra Angelico is grand. As in a triptych there are three divided parts. The cross is in the center, where two ladders stand, as Jesus Christ is taken down by sturdy hearts. The vivid reds and pinks in gowns and hats entwine with dark green grass and trees. Wherever the eye darts one sees contrasts. Around, the golden haloes shine, while skies of blue are bright with angels, clouds and light. The kissing of the feet by Mary Magdalene anchors the left with women; men fill up the right. At left the castled town; at right are hills and land; the x holds Jesus’ blood-touched body wrapped in white. Reply
Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 3, 2018 Yes, it is truly gratifying to have in our midst a composer who possesses virtually everything Byrd possessed, but who goes well beyond in so many ways, always remaining true to the best principles of tradition in everything he does. Reply
James A. Tweedie December 2, 2018 Mr. McKenzie, This poem is yet another fine example of your personal style of lyric verse. I particularly like the way you begin the poem with an off-iambic, emphatic “Wilton!” This is unexpected and very effective, I think. It is not as effective, however, when the word “Rather” is used to introduce the second stanza. An iamb is called for here. Perhaps something like, “Yet I would choose your holy strains to hear” although using the contraction “I’d” would offer other alternatives. As usual, you save the best for the last. Your closing stanza brings your paean to Wilton to a triumphant conclusion, serving the same function as the closing couplet in a sonnet. Also, thank you for introducing us to a young composer who, in the same spirit as SCP, seeks to celebrate, nourish and resurrect old form and styles for the edification of a culturally-starved generation. Reply
Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 3, 2018 Yes, Mr. Tweedie, I certainly share your sense of gratification in the knowledge that we of the SCP are not alone. I am moreover convinced that the return to classic principles of art is a movement of international significance, not by any means limited to the Anglo-American world. Reply
James Eliot December 2, 2018 The poem’s purity of style and formal perfection pay just tribute to Nicholas Wilton. This poem does honor to England. Reply
Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 3, 2018 Indeed, Mr. Eliot, England is justifiably proud of so faithful a composer. Some of the best musicians in London whom I know personally will tell you the same. I thank you for your most kind and generous compliment, but must assure you that the merits of my poem owe everything to Mr. Wilton. Reply
Nicholas Wilton December 3, 2018 I am not quite sure whether I am allowed to join in this discussion as Joseph Charles MacKenzie’s poem is about my music but I should like to express my sincere gratitude to him for his very fine poem. There is something of the Divine in all MacKenzie’s poems which might go to explain why they are so very good. I am also extremely touched and humbled by the gracious comments which have been made about my little sub-creations. Reply
The Society December 4, 2018 Dear Mr. Wilton, You are absolutely welcome to join the discussion! Thank you for sharing your sublime music through the creation of the video that has been posted and for inspiring Mr. MacKenzie to produce such a rousing poem. A new era of artistic achievement lies before us and the convergence of artistic disciplines is a natural outcome and something we encourage. Kind regards, Evan Mantyk SCP President & Editor Reply
Nicholas Wilton December 5, 2018 Dear Mr Mantyk, I should like to thank you for posting on the Society of Classical Poets web site the video presentation of four of my sacred choral pieces in relation to Mr MacKenzie’s fine poem about my music, which was kindly made for me by the American composer and pianist, Jack Gibbons, to whom I am very grateful. If any members of the Society of Classical Poets like traditional classical piano music I have a CD of my own entitled “Music for Piano”, played by the virtuoso pianist, Alexei Knupffer, which can be listened to here: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/nicholaswilton and the physical CD purchased here: https://www.tutti.co.uk/cds/music-piano-nicholas-wilton-NSWIN-CDNW2-R3
Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 5, 2018 Dear Mr. Mantyk, May I please draw to your kind attention and that of our readers to the fact that some of Mr. Wilton’s finest compositions have been recorded by the internationally celebrated choral ensemble, Magnificat (Philip Cave director), and are available in the form of a beautifully produced CD, entitled, “Sacred Choral Music by Nicholas Wilton” here: http://bit.ly/2UgK3ad Members and readers of the Society of Classical Poets would do well to acquire this harbinger of what you have rightly called a “new era of artistic achievement”—the ideal Christmas gift for family, friends, and loved ones.
C.B. Anderson December 3, 2018 It is appropriate that the words of two masters of rhythm and tone should appear contiguously here. I should feel grateful that I am subscribed to the comments at SCP. Reply
Joseph Charles MacKenzie December 4, 2018 You are very kind, Mr. Anderson. I realize that you and I and many others throughout the world stand together in defending the immemorial principles of the beautiful in human arts and letters. Reply
