What is the medieval carol 'Nolo mortem peccatoris'?

It's a 15th-century carol, meaning 'I do not wish that a sinner should die', which had been silent for centuries until recently rediscovered.

Where was the lost medieval carol found?

The carol was found as text only within a 15th-century manuscript housed in the library of St. John's College, Cambridge.

When will the lost carol be performed at Cambridge?

The world premiere of the newly set carol will be performed by the Choir of St. John's College on November 29 and 30.

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Lost Medieval Carol Resurfaces After Centuries

23 Nov, 2025

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Summary

A 15th-century carol, silent for centuries, will be performed.
The work is titled 'Nolo mortem peccatoris', meaning 'I do not wish that a sinner should die'.
Music was composed by Errollyn Wallen CBE for its world premiere.

Lost Medieval Carol Resurfaces After Centuries

A significant piece of musical history is about to be heard for the first time in hundreds of years. A medieval carol, discovered in a 15th-century manuscript at St. John's College, Cambridge, will be performed following its rediscovery.

The carol, known by its Latin title 'Nolo mortem peccatoris'—translating to 'I do not wish that a sinner should die'—was found as text only. This meant its original melody and performance style were lost to time.

Now, Master of the King's Music, Errollyn Wallen CBE, has composed new music for the piece. The world premiere will be presented by the Choir of St. John's College on November 29 and 30.

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