Ian King: Music for Gloucester Cathedral

Ian King's "Music for Gloucester Cathedral" is a captivating collection of sacred choral works, meticulously composed for and performed by the renowned Gloucester Cathedral Choir. Released on March 18, 2022, via SOMM Recordings, this album spans 19 tracks and a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, offering a profound exploration of religious music.

The album features the first-ever recordings of Ian King's compositions, including eight previously unheard pieces. Highlights include "The Gloucester Service: I. Magnificat" and "The Gloucester Service: II. Nunc dimittis," showcasing the choir's ethereal harmonies and the organ's resonant depth, masterfully played by Jonathan Hope. The album also includes the moving "The St. John Passion," a series of seven tracks that narrate the Passion of Christ with poignant intensity.

Under the direction of Adrian Partington, the Gloucester Cathedral Choir delivers a performance that is both technically impeccable and spiritually uplifting. The album encompasses a variety of liturgical settings, from the solemn "Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Lent" to the joyous "Jubilate," demonstrating Ian King's versatility and deep understanding of sacred music.

This collection is not just a testament to Ian King's compositional prowess but also a celebration of the enduring tradition of choral music at Gloucester Cathedral. Whether you are a devotee of classical music or a seeker of spiritual solace, "Music for Gloucester Cathedral" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.