Bob Chilcott: Requiem & Other Choral Works

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of choral music with Bob Chilcott's "Requiem & Other Choral Works," a captivating collection released in April 2012. This album, recorded in the resplendent acoustics of Wells Cathedral, showcases Chilcott's mastery of the Anglican choral tradition, offering a blend of sacred and contemplative pieces that resonate deeply with contemporary sensibilities.

The album opens with Chilcott's poignant "Requiem," a work that weaves together traditional liturgical texts with a modern compositional approach. Each movement, from the solemn "Introit & Kyrie" to the serene "Lux aeterna," is performed with exquisite precision and sensitivity by the Wells Cathedral Choir, under the skilled direction of Matthew Owens. The choir's voices are beautifully balanced, creating a rich and immersive sound that fills the space with warmth and clarity.

Beyond the "Requiem," the album features a diverse range of choral works that highlight Chilcott's versatility as a composer. Pieces like "I Sing of a Mayden" and "Hail, Star of the Sea Most Radiant" offer moments of pure vocal beauty, while "The Nine Gifts" and "Jesus, Springing" provide a sense of joy and celebration. The "Downing Service" settings of "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis" are particularly noteworthy, showcasing Chilcott's ability to craft music that is both accessible and deeply moving.

Accompanying the choir is the Nash Ensemble, adding depth and texture to the performances with their skilled playing. The album's production, overseen by Mark Brown and engineered by Julian Millard, ensures that every nuance of the performances is captured with stunning fidelity.

"Requiem & Other Choral Works" is a testament to Bob Chilcott's enduring contribution to the choral repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned choral enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience. With a total duration of 79 minutes and 27 seconds, it is a collection that invites repeated listening, revealing new layers of beauty and complexity with each play.

23 maart 2012

℗ 2012 Hyperion Records Limited

About Bob Chilcott

Bob Chilcott, born in Plymouth in 1955, is a renowned British choral composer, conductor, and singer, deeply rooted in the British choral tradition. His journey in music began as a boy chorister and continued through his tenure as a tenor with the acclaimed vocal group, The King's Singers, from 1985 to 1997. Since then, Chilcott has dedicated himself full-time to composing and conducting, creating a vast catalog of choral works published by Oxford University Press. His compositions and conducting have earned him the title of "a contemporary hero of British choral music" from The Observer. Chilcott's influence extends beyond his compositions; he has served as the conductor of the Chorus of the Royal College of Music in London and has been the Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Singers since 2002. His work continues to inspire and enrich the choral music scene, making him a beloved figure in the world of choral music.