Finzi: Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice & Other Choral Works

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's choral works with this captivating album, released on August 2, 2019, under the Hyperion label. Spanning a total of 74 minutes, this collection showcases Finzi's mastery of choral composition, blending sacred and secular themes with a distinctive English charm.

The album opens with the radiant "Magnificat, Op. 36," setting the stage for a journey through Finzi's diverse choral repertoire. Highlights include the tender "My Lovely One, Op. 27 No. 1" and the triumphant "God Is Gone Up, Op. 27 No. 2," both showcasing Finzi's ability to evoke deep emotion through choral writing. The album also features the complete "7 Poems of Robert Bridges (Partsongs), Op. 17," a cycle of seven charming and evocative pieces that display Finzi's knack for setting poetry to music.

The centerpiece of the album is "Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice, Op. 26," a powerful and intense choral work commissioned for festival use. This visionary masterpiece exemplifies Finzi's ability to create profound and moving choral music that resonates with listeners. The recording, made in July 2018 at the acoustically splendid Hereford Cathedral in the United Kingdom, benefits from the expert production of Adrian Peacock and the engineering skills of David Hinitt, ensuring a rich and immersive listening experience.

Whether you're a longtime admirer of Gerald Finzi or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling exploration of his choral works, demonstrating why his compositions continue to captivate audiences and remain staples of the choral repertoire.