Celebrating the remarkable career of Harry Christophers, founder of The Sixteen, "70 - A Life in Music" is a meticulously curated collection of 39 tracks that span the conductor's illustrious journey in the world of choral and classical music. Released on June 7, 2024, this three-disc compilation is a testament to Christophers' enduring passion and dedication to his craft, featuring works that have defined his career and The Sixteen's legacy.
From the early days of his tenure as a chorister to his current status as a revered conductor, this album encapsulates the evolution of Christophers' musical vision. The tracks, hand-picked by Christophers himself, include a diverse range of compositions that showcase his versatility and deep understanding of choral music. The collection spans various genres, including choral, Gregorian chant, and medieval music, offering a comprehensive overview of his artistic journey.
The album features collaborations with the renowned Handel and Haydn Society, further enriching the musical tapestry. Notable works include pieces from Handel's "Messiah," Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols," and Bach's "Mass in B-Flat Major," among others. Each track is a testament to the exquisite blend of vocal harmony and orchestral brilliance that The Sixteen is known for.
"70 - A Life in Music" is not just a celebration of Harry Christophers' 70th birthday and the 45th anniversary of The Sixteen, but also a tribute to the timeless beauty of choral music. This collection is a must-listen for fans of classical and choral music, offering a profound and enriching experience that highlights the enduring legacy of one of the most influential conductors of our time.
(C) 2024 The Sixteen Productions Ltd(P) 2024 The Sixteen Productions Ltd
Tracks
Libera nos I & IIJohn Sheppard, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VII. This Little BabeBenjamin Britten, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Sioned Williams
St Thomas Honour weAnonymous, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
O Sing Unto the Lord, Z44: Symphony - O Sing - Sing Unto the Lord - The Lord is Great - O Worship - Tell it OutHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59: I. KyrieEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
This Day Christ Was BornWilliam Byrd, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Jephtha, HWV 70: Deeper and Deeper Still - A Father - Waft Her, AngelsGeorge Frideric Handel, Thomas Morell, James Gilchrist, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Ein Deutsches Requiem: V. Ihr habt nun TraurigkeitJohannes Brahms, Julie Cooper, Gary Cooper, Christopher Glynn, Harry Christophers
Five Flower Songs: No. 4, The Evening PrimroseBenjamin Britten, John Clare, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Symphony of Psalms : I. Exaudi orationem meam DomineIgor Stravinsky, Igor Stanvinsky, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, BBC Philharmonic
Give Unto the Lord, Op. 74Edward Elgar, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Simon Johnson
Un Soir de Neige, FP 126: I. De Grandes Cuillers - II. La Bonne Neige - III. Bois Meurtri - IV. La Nuit le FroidFrancis Poulenc, Paul Éluard, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Cinq Rechants: No. 3Olivier Messiaen, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Musikalische Exequien, SWV 281: Canticum B Simeonis 'Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener'Heinrich Schütz, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: I. Dixit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Panis angelicusJoão Lourenço Rebelo, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Salve ReginaRichard Hygons, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Nigra sumTomás Luis de Victoria, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Messiah, HWV 56: For Unto Us a Child is BornGeorge Frideric Handel, Charles Jennens, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Laetatus sumTomás Luis de Victoria, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
The Fairy Queen: Dialogue Between Coridon and Mopsa - Dance for the HaymakersHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
When David HeardRobert Ramsey, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Sept Répons des Ténèbres: III. Jesum tradiditFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, BBC Philharmonic
Ave virgo sanctissimaFrancisco Guerrero, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Selva morale e spirituale: Laudate Dominum omnes gentesClaudio Monteverdi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
The Woman with the Alabaster BoxArvo Pärt, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Symphony No. 82 in C Major, Hob.I/82, "L’ours": IV. Finale - VivaceJoseph Haydn, Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers
Coronation Anthem - My Heart is Inditing, HWV 261: IV. Kings Shall be Thy Nursing FathersGeorge Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Dominus dabit benignitatemJames MacMillan, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in B-Flat Major, Hob.XXII/14, "Harmoniemesse": X. Agnus DeiJoseph Haydn, Mireille Asselin, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Jeremy Budd, Sumner Thomson, Harry Christophers, Handel and Haydn Society
Pater nosterGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Minor, BWV 235: II. GloriaJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Stabat mater: Sancta mater, istud agasJames MacMillan, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Britten Sinfonia
Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow: IV. O SorrowImogen Holst, John Keats, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Sioned Williams
Songs of Farewell: IV. There is an Old BeliefHubert Parry, John Gibson Lockhart, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Now May We SingenCecilia McDowall, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantata: Agnus DeiJohn Sheppard, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Stabat materAlissa Firsova, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
The Creation, Hob.XXI/2: The Heavens are Telling the Glory of GodJoseph Haydn, Sarah Tynan, Jeremy Ovenden, Matthew Brook, Harry Christophers, Handel and Haydn Society