Release Date: 01 January 2015
Label: Chandos
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 095115184226
Genres: Classical
Composer/Series: O Sacrum Convivium
Description
This new disc with the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge under Andrew Nethsingha - recording exclusively for Chandos - pays homage to French sacred choral music of the early twentieth century. It features two Messes solennelles, by Louis Vierne and Jean Langlais, as well as short pieces by Francis Poulenc and Olivier Messiaen. The two Messes solennelles in many ways emulate the Mass in F sharp minor, Op. 36 by Vierne's organ teacher, Charles-Marie Widor. Yet, Vierne and Langlais - both blind from childhood, Paris Conservatoire students, and longstanding titular organists in main places of worship in Paris - use a more modern, forward-looking chromatic harmonic language and colourful organ writing. The versions heard here employ one organ, rather than the two commonly available in Parisian churches. Although it is his only published contribution to liturgical choral music, the motet O sacrum convivium! by Messiaen features two of his most characteristic musical traits: the use of chromatic harmonies within the much-favoured tonality of F sharp major, and the rhythmic augmentation of note values to liberate the music from the regular succession of beats. As well as the Four Lenten Motets by Poulenc we hear his late four short prayers 'by St Francis of Assisi', composed for a male choir of tenors and yet showing a remarkable variety of colour, the number of parts ranging from three to six.
Tracklisting
Jonathan Aasgaard; Sinfonia of London; John Wilson
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra; Halle Choir; John Storgards
Sara Dowling; Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
Dame Sarah Connolly; Joseph Middleton
James Ehnes; BBC Philharmonic; Juanjo Mena
Zeb Soanes; Britten Sinfonia Voices; Britten Sinfonia; Jamie Phillips
Sinfonia of London; John Wilson
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet; Manchester Camerata; Gabor Takacs-Nagy
