Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative choral works of Edmund Rubbra, a composer whose contributions to the genre remain largely undiscovered. This album, released in 2000 under the Chandos label, offers a captivating journey through Rubbra's masterful compositions, performed by the esteemed Stephen Varcoe, City of London Sinfonia, and Richard Hickox. Spanning just over 56 minutes, the album features a diverse range of pieces that showcase Rubbra's unique voice and deep spiritual connection.
The album opens with "Song of the Soul," a deeply intimate and reflective piece that sets the tone for the spiritual journey that follows. The "Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32" offer a delightful contrast with their lively and playful rhythms, while the "Inscape, Op. 122" series delves into themes of nature and divinity, culminating in the serene "Epilogue." The album also includes the stirring "Veni, creator Spiritus" and the festive "Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine," which features a recitative, aria, acrostic hymn, and chorale.
Edmund Rubbra, often overshadowed by contemporaries like Michael Tippett, crafted a body of work that deserves wider recognition. This album provides a compelling introduction to his choral compositions, which stand alongside those of more familiar names in the classical canon. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2000 Chandos Records2000 Chandos Records
Tracks
Song of the Soul (in intimate communication and union with the love of God), Op. 78Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: I. Rondel. Allegro vivace e sempre leggieroEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: II. Plaint. LentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: III. Pastoral. GiocosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: V. Lament. LentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
Inscape, Op. 122: I. Pied BeautyEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: II. The Lantern out of DoorsEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: III. SpringEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: IV. God's GrandeurEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: V. EpilogueEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Veni, creator Spiritus, Op. 130Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: I. RecitativeEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: II. AriaEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: III. Acrostic HymnEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: IV. ChoraleEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Charles Edmund Rubbra, born in Northampton in 1901, was a distinguished British composer whose works spanned a wide range of genres, though he is perhaps best known for his eleven symphonies. Rubbra's music, which reached its zenith of popularity in the mid-20th century, is characterised by its dramatic intensity and improvisatory spirit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rubbra never embraced the dodecaphonic style, instead forging his own unique compositional path. His extensive catalogue includes notable works such as the Viola Concerto in A Major, Op. 75, and his Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 85. Despite a decline in public recognition in recent decades, Rubbra's compositions continue to captivate those who seek out his music, offering a rich and emotive experience that stands the test of time.
Vinylscout
Edmund Rubbra
