Part of the charm and musical value of this magnificent series is hearing the unique choral sound and varied interpretive approaches of 10 different first-rate English cathedral choirs--and the particular acoustical character of the different spaces in which they perform. Each of the 10 volumes features a different choir performing the uniquely Anglican style of harmonized plainsong--Anglican chant--in various musical settings of the Psalms. The expert Wells Cathedral Choir singers have a pleasingly bright sound that allows the chant tunes--by composers such as Boyce, Howells, Stainer, and Wesley--to soar distinctly above the accompanying harmonies. This volume covers 22 Psalms, including "O come let us sing unto the Lord," "Hear my prayer, O God," and "By the waters of Babylon." --David Vernier
O Praise the Lord of Heaven,William Beale,William Boyce,Matthew Camidge,D.A. Cooper,Luke Flintoft,William Henry Havergal,Herbert Howells,Henry George Ley,Charles Harford Lloyd,H. Monk,Tertius Noble,James K. Randall,Henry Thomas Smart,John Stainer,Charles Villiers Stanford,Henry Stonex,James Turle,F.W. Wadely,Samuel Sebastian Wesley,Percy Whitlock,Anthony Crossland,Christopher Brayne,Priory,Choral,Classical Music,Psalm Setting
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John Rutter Collection
Rutter , Cambridge Singers , and London Sinfonia Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006LIEZ Release Date: 2002-11-12 |
Tracks:
- For The Beauty Of The Earth
- The Lord Is My Shepherd
- All Things Bright And Beautiful
- Shepherd's Pipe Carol
- The Lord Bless You And Keep You
- Open Thou Mine Eyes
- My True Love Hath My Heart (From Birthday Madrigals)
- Esurientes (From Magnificat)
- Gloria Patri (From Magnificat)
- Out Of The Deep (From Requiem)
- Pie Jesu (From Requiem)
- What Sweeter Music
- A Choral Fanfare
- A Prayer Of St. Patrick
- O Be Joyful In The Lord
- Behold, The Tabernacle Of God
- O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
- A Gaelic Blessing
- Angel's Carol
- Matthew, Mark, Luke And John (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
- Sing A Song Of Sixpence (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
- Go Forth Into The World In Peace
Customer Reviews:
John Rutter Collection is glorious!.......2007-07-23
John Rutter Collection.......2007-02-19
Typically gorgeous Rutter.......2005-12-20
Wonderful!.......2005-12-03
To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one........2005-06-30
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Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00002EIUG Release Date: 1999-10-12 |
Customer Reviews:
a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-09
The founder of English hymnody is Isaac Watts (1674-1748), whose work in reforming congregational song texts culminated in the publication of his 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs' in 1707. Watts' collection was as complete and comprehensive a set of hymns as had ever been proposed for English worship and it raised the profile of the hymn sufficiently to overcome the prevailing psalmody. The great flowering period of English hymnody began with the work of the Methodist hymn-writers John Wesley (1703-1791) and his brother Charles (1707-1788). The Wesleys gave great prominence to hymns within their Methodist worship and published many books.
The modern hymn book is a collection of hymns drawn from various times and places. This most accomplished recording by St. Paul's Cathedral Choir presents 16 well-loved hymns from 'The New English Hymnal'. A great number of the hymns, which originate from many different eras and traditions, are given an extra musical dimension by John Scott's original descants and thrilling brass arrangements.
Over the years, I have found myself purchasing mostly the recordings of English choirs. They seem to have incredible vocal skills, perfectly executed phrases, flawless diction and some unidentifiable ingredient that makes them very appealing to hear. Of course, I personally enjoy the all male choirs sound; boy sopranos and male altos make the difference. This is a very appealing group of hymns!!!!!
Hymns for every one.......2002-12-01
Super Praise!.......2000-06-10
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The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000009OQF Release Date: 1998-08-11 |
Tracks:
- I Was Glad
- Like As The Hart/Give Sentence With Me
- Praise The Lord, O My Soul
- Hear My Crying, O God
- The Earth Is The Lord's
- I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
- The Lord Is My Shepherd
- God Is Our Hope And Strength
- O How Amiable
- Lord Who Shall Dwell
- By The Waters Of Babylon
- O Praise The Lord
- O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
- O Sing Unto The Lord
- O Praise God In His Holiness
Customer Reviews:
Make a joyful noise!.......2007-03-13
Just what I wanted........2007-01-03
Analog recording superior.......2005-11-10
High comfort level.......2004-11-07
Oldie But a Goodie.......2003-03-28
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Early American Choral Music, Vol. 1
His Majestie's Clerkes Manufacturer: Hmf Classical Exp. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000059WLJ Release Date: 2001-05-08 |
Amazon.com
William Billings (1746-1800) was one of the first important composers born in America. A leather tanner by trade who taught himself composition, Billings left behind some lovely, unique music that contains early indications of American musical independence. It often doesn't sound like European models. Today, Billings's music survives mostly in Southern shape-note singing, with its exciting raw tone and rhythmic vitality. But as Paul Hillier's selection demonstrates, Billings shouldn't just be characterized as musical folk artist. The "Funeral Anthem: Samuel the Priest" has harmonies so poignant that they remind us of Bach, and the brief "David's Lamentation" is a superb piece of musical characterization, heartbreakingly effective. Despite the ensemble's name, it's thoroughly American. The performances find a good middle ground between sounding too folksy and sounding too cultivated, and the group's diction is clear enough that we can do without the texts, which came with the original edition. This is a lovely disc, which will come to most listeners as a revelation. It's also an outstanding bargain. --Leslie GerberCustomer Reviews:
How well do you like this kind of music?.......2006-02-21
A Delightful Recording.......2005-07-25
A great find--worth more than its price.......2004-09-03
Interesting and Lovely Music.......2004-02-25
this was our country's music c.30 decades ago!.......2001-10-17
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Hymns Through the Centuries
J. Reilly Lewis , Cathedral Choral Society , William Gardiner , Johannes Cruger , Melchior Teschner , William Henry Monk , Virgil Thomson , George Elvey , Thomas Hastings , and John [composer] Goss Manufacturer: Gothic Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00003XB8M Release Date: 2000-02-22 |
Tracks:
- When In Our Music God Is Glorified
- Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
- Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life
- O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
- All Glory, Laud And Honor
- Abide With Me; Fast Falls The Eventide
- My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
- Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
- Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
- Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me
- Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
- Come, Risen Lord
- Carillon Hymn: St. Peter
- Eternal Father, Strong To Save
- Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound
- Holy, Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty
- Nearer, My God, To Thee
- Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
- In Christ There Is No East Or West
- Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
- Crown Him With Many Crowns
- Word Of God, Come Down On Earth
- The Church's One Foundation
- God Of Our Fathers
- Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping
- Peal Bells
Customer Reviews:
How can you call these "Hymns".......2006-08-05
wonderful collection of magnificent music.......2006-01-18
If you like sacred music, or hymns, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this CD. If you're a Christian, you should enjoy this as well, no matter your taste in music (and you might just learn to like hymns as well!). It is a well-chosen set of some of the most magnificent, God-honoring music of all time, done is a mostly very traditional manner, and it was done well.
Flawed but enjoyable.......2005-04-15
Hymns through the Centuries.......2002-03-18
A must own for classic church music lovers.......2002-02-16
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100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration
Manufacturer: Castle Music UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00008GEKT Release Date: 2003-04-14 |
Tracks:
- Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Tracks:
- Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
- He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
- O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
- This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
- How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
- O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir
Tracks:
- Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Tracks:
- Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
- God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
- O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
- Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Tracks:
- Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
- While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
- O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
- O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
- Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
- Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
- First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
- Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
- Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
- Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
- On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
- Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Album Description
Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.Customer Reviews:
The picture.......2006-12-11
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Lay Aside All Earthly Cares: Orthodox Choral Works in English
Manufacturer: Cappella Romana ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000AXWHE4 Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
- Bless the Lord, O my soul
- O gladsome Light
- Lord, now let Thy servant
- Rejoice, Virgin Theotokos
- Praise the Name of the Lord
- The Great Doxology, No.1
- Bless the Lord, O my soul
- The Second Antiphon
- Only begotten Son
- Holy God, No.2
- Alleluia, No.1
- Cherubic Hymn (Special melody: The thief beheld)
- A mercy of peace
- It is truly meet
- Our Father / One is holy / Praise the Lord, No.1
- Praise the Lord from the heavens, No.2
- I will receive the cup, No.2
- Their proclamation has gone out, No.2
- Rejoice in the Lord
- Receive the Body of Christ, No.1,2,1
- Blessed be the name of the Lord
- Psalm
- All of creation
- Troparion for the Sunday of Orthodoxy
- Let my prayer arise
- Now the Powers of heaven
- Taste and see
- Thy bridal chamber
- The wise thief, No.2
- The wise thief, No.3
- Let all mortal flesh
- What shall we call you, Mary
Customer Reviews:
Just heavenly.......2007-01-30
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Abide With Me
Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000024236 Release Date: 1996-06-10 |
Tracks:
- Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- All Glory, Laud and Honour - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Day of Resurrection - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- O God, Our Help in Ages Past - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Praise to the Holiest in the Height - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Praise to the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Church's One Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Crown Him With Many Crowns - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Now Thank We All Our God - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Abide with Me - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- O Praise Ye the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
- Drop, Drop, Slow Tears - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- Glory Be to Jesus - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- There Is a Green Hill Far Away - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- According to Thy Gracious Word - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- Glory to Thee, My God, This Night - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
- On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Tracks:
- Onward, Christian Soldiers - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
- Lord's My Shepherd - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
- Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
- All People That on Earth Do Dwell - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
- Forty Days and Forty Nights - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
- O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
- Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
- Head That Once Was Crown'd With Thorns - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
- Rock of Ages - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
- Eternal Father, Strong to Save - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
- All Things Bright and Beautiful - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
- Be Thou My Vision - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
- Be Still, My Soul - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
- King of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
- Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
- For All the Saints - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
- O Worship the King - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
- Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - Choir of King's College, George Guest
- Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Choir of King's College, George Guest
- Spirit of Mercy, Truth, And Love - Choir of King's College, George Guest
- Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us - Choir of King's College, George Guest
- Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise - Choir of King's College, George Guest
- Jesu, Lover of My Soul - Choir of King's College, George Guest
- Jerusalem - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Choir of King's College, ,
Album Details
Compiled Here Are Fifty of the Most Beloved Hymns Performed by Three of England's Most Distinguished Choirs. Every Selection Here is Sung in an Appropriately Dignified Manner and If You're Up for Over Two Hours of Consistently Well-rendered Quintessentially English Treatments of These Vernacular Favorites it Simply Doesn't Get Any Better Than This.Customer Reviews:
Inspirational!.......2004-10-08
hymns we sang in church.......2003-02-16
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Hymns Through the Centuries 2
Recorded Sound , R. Osborne , J. Reilly Lewis , and Cathedral Choral Society Manufacturer: Gothic Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00007K2GE Release Date: 2003-01-07 |
Tracks:
- Peal Bells
- Jesus, My All, To Heaven Has Gone
- Our Thanks We Give For Love And Hope
- In The Bleak Midwinter
- Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
- Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart!
- Let All The World In Every Corner Sing
- Ar Hyd Y Nos (Organ Solo) - Eric Plutz
- Of The Father's Love Begotten
- Come Down, O Love Divine
- Spirit Of God, Descend Upon My Heart
- God Is Love
- What Wondrous Love Is This!
- All My Hope On God Is Founded
- Leoni (Carillon Solo) - Edward M. Nassor
- O God Of Our Divided World
- Christ, Mighty Savior, Light Of All Creation
- Breathe On Me, Breath Of God
- I Vow To Thee, My Country
- The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
- Lord Of All Hopefulness
- O Brightness Of The Immortal Father's Face
- O Praise Ye The Lord!
- Hyfrydol (Bagpipe Solo) - John G. Sprague
Customer Reviews:
Somewhat disappointing.......2005-09-25
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John Rutter: Magnificat; The Falcon; Two Festival Anthems
Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000031HL Release Date: 1993-05-06 |
Tracks:
- Magnificat: Magnificat anima mea
- Magnificat: Of A Rose, A Lovely Rose
- Magnificat: Quia fecit mihi magna
- Magnificat: Et misericordia
- Magnificat: Fecit potentiam
- Magnificat: Esurientes
- Magnificat: Gloria Patri
- The Falcon: First Movement: Vivace e ritmico
- The Falcon: Second Movement: Lento
- The Falcon: Third Movement: Passacaglia
- Two Festival Anthems: O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
- Two Festival Anthems: Behold, The Tabernacle Of God
Amazon.com
This disc's two large-scale choral works--the Magnificat and The Falcon--show Rutter at his most engaging, thoughtful, and adept. His usual canny sense of tunefulness and rhythmic rightness, flavored with splashes of pop harmony, accomplish his purpose in the Magnificat: to depict Mary's prayer as a celebratory occasion rather than a somber one. The Falcon's image-rich subject matter (the mysteries and symbols of Christianity) and texts, drawn from medieval poetry, the Bible, and Roman liturgy, obviously fired the composer's imagination. Although much of the resulting score--Rutter's first major choral work--draws from the composer's now- familiar bag of melodic/harmonic/rhythmic tools, it is effectively colored with the hues and shadings of ancient compositional devices. The performances, by Rutter's own, first-class Cambridge Singers, are exemplary, and the sound lends ideal clarity and naturalness to voices and instruments. --David VernierCustomer Reviews:
Beautiful Music.......2006-05-28
The Magnificat, is, in my opinion, the greatest work of John Rutter, much better than the Requiem. The Requiem is soft and dull, while the Magnificat is jocund and full of exsquisite and sentimental tones that can only be found in Rutter music.
The Falcon is an interesting piece, one of Rutter's earliest. It features mediaeval texts. It may not have the melodies of the Magnificat, but it is still interesting. The Two Festival Anthems are an excellent addition as well and evoke the power of religious music.
My soul rejoices in this music.......2005-10-04
--Music--
'The Magnificat' is one of my favourite pieces of the liturgy, and one I enjoy hearing set to different kinds of music. This is a very lively and spirit-filled rendering, with magnificent vocals expressing the joy that is found in the prayer of Mary - 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour'. The repetition of the word 'magnificat' over and over in the early part of the music reinforces this idea of joy and praise. Rutter writes, 'I was conscious of following Bach's example in adding to the liturgical text - with the lovely old English poem "Of a Rose" and the prayer "Sancta Maria", both of which strengthen the Marian connection, and with the interpolated "Sanctus" (to the Gregorian chant of the Missa cum jubilo) in the third movement.' This is an extended Magnificat, done in seven movements.
'The Falcon' was Rutter's first large-scale choral piece. This is based on a medieval poem of the same name, and taps into eucharistic imagery and grail legend. This piece included decidedly modern aspects as well as ancient sounds from Gregorian chants. Rutter uses a boys' choir (St. Paul's Cathedral) for this - Rutter remembers his own participation in a boys' choir in chosing this.
The two festival anthems are bright and exuberant, with high sounding brass and energetic paces. These anthems are of praise and passion in the music, and involve full-orchestra accompaniment here (the City of London Sinfonia).
This is remarkable music.
--Liner Notes--
The notes include an introduction to the CD by Rutter describing some of the influences and expressions in his composition. Lyrics are included, and where the original is in Latin, an English translation is provided. There is a listing of the performers of the Cambridge Singers, but no description of the group, nor biographical information about John Rutter.
--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.
--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.
This is impressive indeed - were this a vinyl recording, my copy of the 'Magnificat' most likely would be worn away by now.
Better than the Requiem.......2004-05-24
What makes this disc worth the price, though, is "The Falcon," one of Rutter's earliest works, and one that seems to bear little resemblance to the Magnificat, and even less to the Requiem. But it is nevertheless a brilliant piece, well worth hearing.
And if these weren't enough, two relatively early Rutter anthems, "Behold, the Tabernacle of God" and "Praise the Lord of Heaven" are included as well. If you like Rutter's Requiem, you should definitely try this CD.
Inspiring.......2002-07-09
By the way- if you don't know- you can't beat Rutter's Christmas music. Some of it is astonishing.
Magnificat a Masterpiece.......2001-05-22
Track Listings:
- On Tour [Live]
- Organ Music for Fun
- Origins of Russian Piano Music 1 / Early 19th Cent
- Origins of Russian Piano Music 2
- Origins of Russian Piano Music 3
- Passion and Piety
- Pauline Viardot-Garcia: Songs
- Philadelphia Rarities
- Piano Quintet
- Polska: Celebration of Polish Music
Track Listings
The Hilliard Ensemble Plays Walter Frye
The Edden Hammons Collection, Volume Two
Very Best of [Limited Edition] [Import]
The Best of Italo Fresh Hits [Import]