John Joubert: St Mark Passion, Missa Wellensis & Locus Iste

Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative choral works of John Joubert with this captivating album, featuring three of his most significant compositions. At the heart of the album is the expansive and powerful "St. Mark Passion, Op. 180," a deeply moving retelling of the Passion story, commissioned by Wells Cathedral and premiered on Palm Sunday 2016, coinciding with Joubert's 89th birthday. This profound work is complemented by the "Missa Wellensis, Op. 174," a grand and expansive mass also commissioned by Wells Cathedral, and the vivid and intense "Locus iste, Op. 175."

This album showcases Joubert's mastery of choral composition, with each piece demonstrating his unique ability to amplify and illuminate the text through his music. The "St. Mark Passion" is particularly notable for its controlled power, featuring a keening solo cello and intense organ commentary that adds depth and drama to the narrative. The "Missa Wellensis" is a testament to Joubert's skill in crafting large-scale choral works, while "Locus iste" offers a vivid and powerful setting of the familiar text.

Recorded by the renowned Wells Cathedral Choir under the direction of Matthew Owens, this album benefits from excellent sound quality and insightful liner notes by Christopher Morley. The performances capture the full range of Joubert's expressive language, from the dramatic intensity of the "St. Mark Passion" to the serene beauty of "Locus iste."

This album is a celebration of John Joubert's enduring contribution to choral music, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience for fans of choral and classical music alike. With a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, it is a substantial and engaging collection that highlights the best of Joubert's later works.