Sunday music spot: "The Shepherds' Farewell" by Hector Berlioz

Although this beautiful piece is normally considered to be Christmas music, it does refer to the Shepherds saying farewell to the Holy Family as they leave Bethlehem.

Hence it was entirely appropriate that the Choir of Selby Abbey performed it this morning during the service for the Sunday after Epiphany. (Their performance was singled out for special praise and thanks by the priest who conducted the service and rightly so.)

It is equally appropriate for me to post this version performed by the Royal Choral Society as my music spot for today.

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