Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant choral works of Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, a pivotal figure in the British musical renaissance of the late 19th century. This album, "Anthems and Services," is a testament to Stanford's mastery of choral composition, featuring a collection of his most revered pieces performed by the esteemed Choir of St John's College.
The album opens with the Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115, a grand and uplifting work that showcases Stanford's ability to blend traditional liturgical forms with innovative harmonic language. The Te deum laudamus, Benedictus, Magnificat, and Nunc dimittis are particularly highlights, demonstrating the choir's exceptional skill and the composer's deep understanding of choral texture and voice leading.
The album also includes three Latin Motets, Op. 38, which offer a more intimate and reflective contrast to the larger choral works. These pieces, including Justorum animae, Coelos ascendit hodie, and Beati quorum via, are characterized by their lyrical melodies and rich harmonic language.
In addition to the choral works, the album features several organ pieces, including the Six Short Organ Preludes & Postludes, Op. 105. These pieces provide a welcome interlude and showcase the organ's ability to complement and enhance the choral works.
The album concludes with For Lo, I Raise Up, Op. 145, a powerful and dramatic anthem that brings the collection to a thrilling close. Throughout the album, the Choir of St John's College delivers a performance of exceptional skill and sensitivity, bringing Stanford's music to life with passion and precision.
Recorded in 2003 and released on the Naxos label, this album is a must-listen for fans of choral music and anyone interested in exploring the rich musical heritage of the British Isles. With a duration of just over an hour, it offers a comprehensive overview of Stanford's choral output and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most important composers of his generation.
(C) 2003 Naxos(P) 2003 Naxos
Tracks
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: Te deum laudamusCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: BenedictusCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
3 Latin Motets, Op. 38: Justorum animaeCharles Villiers Stanford, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
3 Latin Motets, Op. 38: Coelos ascendit hodieCharles Villiers Stanford, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
3 Latin Motets, Op. 38: Beati quorum viaCharles Villiers Stanford, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: MagnificatCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: Nunc dimittisCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: KyrieCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: CredoCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: SanctusCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: BenedictusCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: Agnus DeiCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in C Major, Op. 115: GloriaCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
6 Short Organ Preludes & Postludes, Op. 105: Organ Prelude in G MinorCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in G Major, Op. 81: MagnificatCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Morning, Communion & Evening Services in G Major, Op. 81: Nunc dimittisCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
6 Short Organ Preludes & Postludes, Op. 105: Organ Postlude in D MinorCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton
For Lo, I Raise Up, Op. 145Charles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
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