Classical music and Biblical parables seamlessly intertwine as Septura performs an alternate Christmas service. The Nine Lessons, ranging from Adam’s sin to Herod’s wrath, are stunningly performed by the brass septet, with narration from Roger Allam. The full programme runs as follows: - Mendelssohn Sonata in C minor: Fugue, Op. 65, No. 2 - First lesson: God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent’s head - Handel Il Vostro Maggio from ‘Rinaldo’, HWV 7b - Shostakovich Quartet No. 8 - 2nd movement, Op. 110 - Second lesson: God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed - Bruckner Os justi, WAB 30 - Third lesson: The prophet foretells the coming of the Saviour - Rachmaninov Slava!, Op. 11, No. 6 - Fourth lesson: The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown - Debussy Bruyeres, L. 123, No. 5 -Fifth lesson: The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary - Victoria Congratulamini mihi - Sixth lesson: St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus - Grieg Homeward, Op. 62, No. 6 - Brahms Mein jesu der du mich, Op. 122, No. 1 - Seventh lesson: The shepherds go to the manger - Palestrina Missa Papae Marcelli: Gloria - Eighth lesson: The wise men are led by the star to Jesus Handel Sibillar gli angui d’Aletto from ‘Rinaldo’, HWV 7b Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte - Ninth lesson: St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation Schumann Talismane, Op. 141. No. 4