Briggs: Mass for Notre Dame

David Briggs' "Mass for Notre Dame" is a captivating exploration of sacred choral music, recorded in the resplendent acoustics of Gloucester Cathedral. This album, released in June 2010, features the renowned Trinity College Choir, Cambridge, under the direction of Stephen Layton, and the organ virtuosity of David Briggs himself. The centerpiece of the album is Briggs' own composition, the "Messe pour Notre-Dame," a work deeply influenced by his studies with Jean Langlais and his admiration for the playing of Pierre Cochereau, the legendary organist of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The album opens with Briggs' improvisations, including the Introït, Offertoire, Élévation, and Sortie, showcasing his mastery of the organ and his ability to create atmospheric and evocative music. The "Messe pour Notre-Dame" itself is a stunning choral work, with each movement expertly crafted to highlight the choir's rich sound and the organ's powerful resonance. The album also includes other sacred works, such as the "Trinity College Service" and the "Te Deum laudamus," providing a comprehensive showcase of Briggs' compositional skills and the choir's versatility.

Recorded in July 2009 and released by Hyperion, this album has been critically acclaimed, receiving the BBC Music Magazine Awards 2011 – Jury Award for Technical Excellence and being named a Gramophone Editor’s Choice. The cover artwork, featuring Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, by Charlotte Johnson Wahl, adds a visual dimension to the album's sacred theme.

With a duration of over an hour, this album is a rich and rewarding listening experience, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of sacred choral music and the power of the organ. Whether you're a fan of David Briggs' work or new to his compositions, this album is sure to impress with its technical excellence and spiritual depth.