Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of choral music with William Mathias' captivating album, "Mathias: Choral Music". Released on January 10, 2020, this exquisite collection is a testament to Mathias' mastery of the choral genre, offering a rich tapestry of sacred and secular works that showcase his unique compositional voice.
The album opens with the serene and contemplative "A Babe Is Born, Op. 55", setting the stage for a journey through Mathias' diverse choral repertoire. The "Jesus College Service, Op. 53" is a highlight, featuring the radiant "Magnificat" and the tender "Nunc dimittis", both of which demonstrate Mathias' ability to blend traditional choral forms with innovative harmonies.
A particular treat is the "Learsongs" cycle, arranged for soprano, alto chorus, and piano duet. This whimsical suite brings Lewis Carroll's playful poetry to life, with each song offering a distinct character and charm. From the mischievous "Calico Pie" to the humorous "Uncle Arly" and the enchanting "The Pelican Chorus", these songs are a delightful exploration of Mathias' lighter side.
The album also includes several standalone pieces that showcase Mathias' versatility. The Welsh hymn "Y nefoedd sydd yn datga gogoniant Duw" is a powerful affirmation of faith, while the "Ave verum corpus" is a deeply moving setting of the traditional Eucharistic hymn. The "Riddles" cycle, with its intricate wordplay and inventive musical solutions, is a testament to Mathias' intellectual curiosity and compositional skill.
Rounding out the album is the "A May Magnificat, Op. 79 No. 2", a radiant celebration of spring and new life that leaves a lasting impression.
With a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of William Mathias' choral music, performed with precision and passion. Recorded by Naxos, a label renowned for its high-quality recordings, "Mathias: Choral Music" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the choral genre or the works of this remarkable composer.
(C) 2020 Naxos(P) 2020 Naxos
Tracks
A Babe Is Born, Op. 55William Mathias, Hugh Crook, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Jesus College Service, Op. 53: No. 1, MagnificatWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Jesus College Service, Op. 53: No. 2, Nunc dimittisWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 1, Calico PieWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 2, The Owl and the PussycatWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 3, The Duck and the KangarooWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 4, Uncle ArlyWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 5, The Pelican ChorusWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Y nefoedd sydd yn datga gogoniant DuwWilliam Mathias, Hugh Crook, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Ave verum corpusWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Riddles: I. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: II. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: III. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: IV. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: V. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: VI. —Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: VII. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
A May Magnificat, Op. 79 No. 2William Mathias, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
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