Grier: Lit by Holy Fire

Album Description

Experience the awe-inspiring power of sacred choral music with "Grier: Lit by Holy Fire," a live world premiere recording conducted by the renowned Stephen Cleobury and performed by the esteemed Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Released in 2018, this album captures the essence of Francis Grier's profound and moving composition, "Lit by Holy Fire," a major setting of the Vespers.

Spanning a duration of one hour and one minute, this album is a testament to the choir's exceptional skill and the conductor's masterful direction. The tracklist weaves together readings from various biblical passages with the choir's ethereal vocals, creating a harmonious blend of spoken word and choral music. Each track is a live performance, offering an authentic and captivating listening experience.

The album is a beautiful fusion of choral, requiem, and classical genres, showcasing the choir's versatility and Cleobury's expertise. The live recordings were released digitally, making this spiritual and artistic journey accessible to a wider audience. Whether you're a fan of classical music, a devotee of sacred choral works, or simply appreciate the beauty of human voices in harmony, "Grier: Lit by Holy Fire" is an album that will resonate deeply.

8 juni 2018

2018 King's College, Cambridge

About Stephen Cleobury

Sir Stephen Cleobury was a renowned English organist and music director, celebrated for his profound impact on the world of choral music. Born in Bromley, Kent, Cleobury's musical journey began as a chorister at Worcester Cathedral, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Douglas Guest and Christopher Robinson. His academic and musical pursuits led him to St John's College, Cambridge, where he served as an organ scholar, and later to Westminster Abbey as sub-organist. Cleobury's most notable tenure was as the Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge, where he led the world-famous choir for an impressive 37 years, from 1982 until his retirement in 2019. Under his baton, the choir achieved international acclaim, with broadcasts of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols reaching millions of people worldwide. Cleobury's contributions to music were recognized with a knighthood in 2019, just months before his passing on November 22, the Feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music. His legacy endures as a testament to his dedication, passion, and unparalleled influence on Anglican choral music.