Anthem: The Choral Music of Edward Bairstow

On this CD:

1. Blessed City, Heavenly Salem for chorus & orchestra/organ
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

2. Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee for chorus & orchestra/organ
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

3. Let My Prayer Come up for chorus & orchestra/organ
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

4. I Will Wash My Hands in Innocency for chorus & orchestra/organ
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

5. I Sat Down under His Shadow for chorus
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

6. Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, for chorus & orchestra/organ
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

7. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence for chorus & orchestra/organ
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

8. Communion Service for chorus & organ in D
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

9. Evening Service for chorus & organ in D
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

10. Sing Ye to the Lord for chorus & organ
Composed by Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

11. Rhapsody for organ in C sharp minor, Op. 17/3
Composed by Herbert Howells

Tracks:

The Reproaches
Psalm VIII
Psalm XXIII
Psalm CXXII
They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships
Psalm LXXXIV
Psalm CXXX
The Lamentations Of Jeremiah
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm CXXI
Psalm CXXXI
Like As The Hart
Psalm CXLVIII
Psalm CXLIX
Psalm CL

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Muiscal Rendition of the Psalms.......2004-04-19

To some extent, the title of this collection PSALMS FOR THE SOUL is a bit oxymoronic. The psalms that are set to music in this collection are from the Bible, and therefore all psalms from scripture would be psalms for the soul, so to speak. I would imagine that the person who came up with the title was trying to market the recording to a broader public than just those who would purchase a religious CD and thought it would be catchy. But I digress and should not poke fun of the people of Naxos who do a tremendous service to classical music lovers by providing a wide variety of music at affordable prices.

This collection contains musical settings of the psalms. Some of the settings are anthems from the Anglican tradition. Other settings are more liturgical stemming from the Benedictine monastic tradition. Some of the settings are contemporary, others traditional. The Choir of St. John's under the direction of Noel Edison and organist Michael Bloss, performs the pieces with both beauty and reverence.

Tracks:

Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave Maria
Music Of The Latin Rite: Loquebantur variis linguis
Music Of The Latin Rite: Miserere mei
Haec dies
Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave verum corpus
Music Of The Reformation: If Ye Love Me
Music Of The Reformation: Hide Not Thou Thy Face
Music Of The Reformation: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
Music Of The Reformation: O Clap Your Hands
Music Of The Reformation: Bow Thine Ear
Music Of The Reformation: Hosanna To The Son Of David
Music Of The Restoration: Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
Music Of The Restoration: Thou Knowest, Lord
Music Of The Restoration: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Beati quorum via
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: This Joyful Eastertide
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Sing Lullaby
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Spotless Rose
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: What Cheer?
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: O Taste And See
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Hymn To The Virgin
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Faire Is The Heaven
Anthems And Introits: Rejoice In The Lord
Anthems And Introits: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Anthems And Introits: Come, Let's Rejoice
Anthems And Introits: When David Heard
Anthems And Introits: I Sat Down Under His Shadow
Anthems And Introits: These Are They That Follow The Lamb
Latin Motets: Christe Jesu, pastor bone
Latin Motets: O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
Latin Motets: Nunc dimittis
Latin Motets: O vos omnes
Latin Motets: Factum est silentium
Latin Motets: Justorum animae
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hail, Gladdening Light
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Hymn To The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: They Are At Rest
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Litany
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Nolo mortem peccatoris
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: O nata lux
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Loving Shepherd Of Thy Sheep
Prayer Settings: The Lord's Prayer
Prayer Settings: In manus tuas
Prayer Settings: Bring Us, O Lord God

Customer Reviews:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest........2005-10-06

Whether you have a couple dozen albums of English choral music or whether you're looking for an introduction to English choral music, this two CD collection is a must. Here you will find a wide selection of sacred favorites, from Gregorian chant to Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's a misnomer to call it "Anglican," since this would exclude (in addition to, of course, the pre-Reformation Latin hymns) the likes of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd -- both Catholics that kept to the ancient faith despite Elizabeth's (albeit relatively mild) persecutions. Tallis and Byrd set the standard in the 16th century for the distinctive "Englishness" (as opposed to Continental European) style of English choral music, with its soaring majesty yet somehow coupled with a subtle and sustained beauty (as opposed to the Continental ups and downs and often tiresome exaggerations). For those of us in the English-speaking world, this is our heritage. Let's treasure it. As for the recording itself, the mixing is superb. While listening, it's quite easy to imagine yourself in the beautiful King's College Chapel or perhaps heaven itself.

The grand tradition of English music.......2005-09-23

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a duo of discs dedicated to Music of the English Church previously issued as two separate discs, 'Hail, Gladdening Light', and its companion piece, 'Faire is the Heaven'. The discs here are straight copies of those discs; hence, if you have those already, there is no need to purchase this - on the other hand, if you do not have the other discs, this is a bargain.

--Music--
This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. The first disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

On the second disc, there are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church.

The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

music of great beauty.......2005-04-24

Pop one of these CDs into your car stero, turn up the volume and feel yourself drift into a sublime peace. Can music manifest the existence of God?

Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance.......2004-07-28

This two-CD compilation by the Cambridge Singers is truly very good. The repertoire is very diverse and only the best representations of composers and time periods are performed. ALthough most of the pieces were not written with a mixed choir in mind, the Cambridge Singers sing it so well you would not have had any idea. Their performances are careful and exquisite.

Best all-in-one English music CD ever.......2004-04-20

This is a re-release, as one set, of two of my favorite CDs ever: "Faire is the Heaven" and "Hail Gladdening Light" by the Cambridge singers. This is a fabulous compilation of everyone's favorite works from the English Cathedral tradition, all the way from Taverner (16th century) to Tavener (21st century). The selection of works is great and touches all the most important genres. The performance is exquisite, elegant, faultless. The Cambridge Singers have a softer, less edgy sound than the Tallis Scholars, and are more expressive, which may make them easier for some people to listen to, especially for the more recent works. They are no less musical. The Parsons Ave Maria alone brings one to tears. If you want an introduction to English church music, this is the CD to start with. Also makes a great gift, if you already love this music and want to introduce someone else to it.

Hail, Gladdening Light: Music of the English Church

Average customer rating:

One of the basics, plain and simple.
Eternal light
As Good As It Gets
Wonderful!
Rutter's Cambridge Singers at their best

Hail, Gladdening Light: Music of the English Church

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Faire is the Heaven: Music of the English Church
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Treasures of English Church Music
English Choral Music
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B0000031HJ
Release Date: 1991-12-05

Tracks:

Rejoice In The Lord
Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Come, Let's Rejoice
When David Heard
I Sat Down Under His Shadow
These Are They That Follow The Lamb
Christe Jesu, Pastor Bone
O Beatum Et Sacrosanctum Diem
Nunc Dimittis
O Vos Omnes
Factum Est Silentium
Justorum Animae
Hail, Gladdening Light
A Hymn To The Mother Of God
Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God
They Are At Rest
A Litany
Nolo Mortem Peccatoris
O Nata Lux
Loving Shephard Of Thy Sheep
The Lord's Prayer
In Manus Tuas
Bring Us, O Lord God

Customer Reviews:

One of the basics, plain and simple........2005-10-17

I can hardly ever seem to find any choral CD anywhere that truly hits the spot, and the reason is clearly that this was one of my very first. Nobody who loves English cathedral music or English choral singing in general should be without this disc, it is a basic. Aside from the approaching the highest possible standards of choral singing and being an exemplar of the stereotypical English choral sound (straight-tone sopranos, not straight-tone EVERYONE, clear and floating tenors, etc.), most of the tracks on this recording are total gems.

Of particular note are the Howells and Vaughan Williams, several of the Renaissance pieces, probably the best rendition of Tavener's Hymn to the Mother of God out there, "A Litany" by Walton, and Harris' "Bring Me, O Lord God" is a stunningly gorgeous end to the CD that will give you chills.

Eternal light.......2005-09-23

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a duo of discs dedicated to Music of the English Church with this title, 'Hail, Gladdening Light', and its companion piece, 'Faire is the Heaven'. The title of this disc derives from modern hymn (Charles Wood, in the early twentieth century) set to a more ancient text - a good example of the pairing of the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the timely.

--Music--
This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. There are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church.

The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is any biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information (only two sentences!).

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

As Good As It Gets.......2003-05-27

What a beautiful CD of English sacred music. I can't imagine a more perfect group of musicians than John Rutter and the Cambridge singers to capture the full range of emotional and spiritual expression in these selections. This is as good as sacred music performance gets.

Wonderful!.......1999-05-08

This CD is the most touching and beautiful collection of music from my homeland: it moves me beyond words.

Rutter's Cambridge Singers at their best.......1998-09-12

Spanning the centuries from Tallis to Tavener, this collection is well-chosen and shows off the skills of the choir and its conductor. If you are a devotee of the "straight-tone" choir (as the Cambridge Singers always are), any of their CDs would be delight. However, this one (and a similar one, "Faire is the Heaven") is almost like a good back-rub: leaving you relaxed, invigorated, and wanting more. (Assuming English church music is on your short list of favorite genres.)

Tracks:

The Bells Of Westminster Abby
The Preces
Psalm 115
Te Deum In C
Jubilate
The Responses
Missa Trinitatis Sanctae
Missa Trinitatis Sanctae
Missa Trinitatis Sanctae
Missa Trinitatis Sanctae
Psalm 107
Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis 'Westminster Service'
Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis 'Westminster Service'
I Saw The Lord
Fantasia & Toccata In D Minor, Op 57
Fantasia & Toccata In D Minor, Op 57

Your Sweetest Notes: New Music from Norwich

Average customer rating:

Your Sweetest Notes: New Music from Norwich

Manufacturer: Griffin (Qualiton)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000J10JZG
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Average customer rating:

The best in the series!

The English Anthem, Vol. 8

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The English Anthem, Vol. 5
The English Anthem, Vol. 6
The English Anthem, Vol. 2
The English Anthem, Vol. 4
The English Anthem, Vol. 7

ASIN: B0006OR170
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Customer Reviews:

The best in the series!.......2007-05-23

Recorded shortly before Mr. Scott took up his new (and equally prestigious) post at St Thomas Church, Fifth Ave., NYC, this disc is, in my opinion, the best in the whole English Anthem series. The program is remarkably varied, and includes a stunning rendition of Sheppard's "Libera Nos I". It is so stunning that I can't help wishing that more Renaissance music had been included in this series. The choir of St Paul's sings it so well! Also recorded on this disc is a brand new commission from Rutter, "A Crown of Glory", which is brilliantly spectacular. Mr. Scott is also featured as a composer here, and his truly beautiful "Behold, O God our Defender", which is very "Howells-esque". The Bairstow anthem, "Lord, I call upon thee", is highly atmospheric. HIGHLY atmospheric. At the words "as the incense in Thy sight", one almost smells the incense!

The singing on this CD is what makes it so uniquely magnificent. I have never heard the choir of St Paul's sound in such good voice. Their expression, tone, and accuracy has never been better. They have once again reaffirmed that they indeed are the "King of Cathedral Choirs".

This recording virtually defines the term "must-have"!