English Choral Music CDs

Cantamus : Joy

Review: Called by one observer 'probably the best girls' choir in the world,' Mansfield, Nottinghamshire's (UK) Cantamus Girls Choir consists of approximately 40 girls aged between 13 and 19. Founded in 1968 by Director Pamela Cook, the Choir has consistently won international competitions such as the 'Choir of the World' title 1997 Llangollen Eisteddfod, Olympic Champions title at the World Choir Games 2004 and 2006 and many others. There are 20 songs here, mostly lightly accompanied by accompanist and arranger Michael Neaum. Some of our favorites are 'Look to this Day,' 'La Regata,' 'O Won't You Sit Down?,' 'Goin' Up-a-Yonder;' 'Pretty Little Horses,' 'And So It Goes,' 'Miss You Nights' and 'The Rose.' Wonderful leads, perfect harmonies - 'Joy' is exactly that!

Songlist: Look to This Day, White Waves on the Water, The Last Spring, La Regata, Sous le Dome Epais, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Sanctus, O Won't You Sit Down?, Over My Head/Didn't the Lord Deliver Daniel?, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Goin' Up a-Yonder, You Raise Me Up, Pretty Little Horses, Harry, Can You Hear Me?, Hallelujah, And So it Goes, Who Knows Where the Time Goes?, Miss You Nights, The Rose

Laudibus : Ralph Vaughn Williams - A Cappella

Review: Mike Brewer and his award-winning chamber choir Laudibus have unearthed some rare and precious gems in this recording of a cappella choral music by one of England's best-loved composers. Little-known works both early and late nestle alongside repertory staples such as the glorious Mass in G minor in a program that puts Vaughan Williams' indebtedness to both the sacred and secular instincts of his Elizabethan predecessors on display.

Songlist: The Souls of the Righteous, Greensleeves, Three Shakespeare Songs , Prayer to the Father of Heaven, Mass in G minor , O Vos Omnes, Ca' the yowes, Love Is a Sickness, Three Elizabethan Part Songs, Silence and Music, Hearts Music

Mark De-Lisser : Sing Out! 5 Pop Songs For Today's Choirs - Book 1

Review: Five great songs are given the gospel treatment, and the result is a guaranteed showstopper - fun, funky, slick and stylish. The arrangements are by vocal coach and choral director Mark De-Lisser, and were performed by his choir, ACM Gospel Choir, on BBC's Last Choir Standing - they are all uplifting, modern and a joy to sing. Arranged for SAT choir with CD backing tracks, they can also be performed with a Piano or band using the Piano accompaniments and chord symbols. This book has everything included to make it as easy and straightforward as possible to learn, with helpful hints for each song and CDs containing full demonstrations, performance backing tracks and individual rehearsal tracks for each vocal part.

Songlist: Could It Be Magic, Everytime I Feel The Spirit, Higher and Higher, I Believe I Can Fly, One Love

Sarah Watts : Silly Songs

Review: Kids love a good silly song, and they don't come much sillier than these! All are great fun for classroom, choir and concert use, and many have actions.

Songlist: The smallest worm, Mary had some marmalade, The pork pie jig, I just got tired of waiting, Boom, The mad mower of Monmouth, Live a little, They never wrote a song like this!, On the train, The Limerick song, Be kind to your web-footed friends, I'm alive, I like bananas because they have no bones, The shrimpetty Song, The king kong konga!, There's a gnome called Fred, I'm a nut!, There once was a guy with a ping pong ball, A peanut sat on a railway track, Three blue pidgeons

Cantabile The London Quartet : Songs of Cricket

Review: Cantabile, AKA The London Quartet, have been wowing audiences across the world since the 1980s with their shows that blend performance flair, comic timing, and a deep passion for high-quality vocal music. This album is an eclectic tribute to the very British obsession that is cricket, bringing together works from the turn of the century to the present day. Featuring guest performances from the likes of Richard Stilgoe, Rory Bremner and Tim Rice, this album should prove a must-buy for cricket- and music-fans alike.

Songlist: Cricket Theme Medley , The Cricketers of Hambledon , School Songs Medley (five school songs) , The Summer Game - from Cricket (Hearts and Wickets) , PLillian Thomson , Radnage Cricket Song (Bucks. folk song) , Four Jolly Bowlers , The Rules of Cricket - A Psalm Chant , You've Got to be a Cricket Hero (to Get Along with the Beautiful Girls) , Jiggery Pokery , Village Rondo , Eton and Winchester , I Made a Hundred in the Backyard at Mum's , Australian Cricket Medley , The Barmy Army , That's Not Cricket - from At Home Abroad , Cricket Tea Towel: The Ins and Outs of Cricket , Andy Flower Duet , Jerusalem , When an Old Cricketer Leaves the Crease , 'Stop it, Aggers!'

King's Singers : High Flight

Review: A must-have for choral-aficionados everywhere! Perhaps the world's finest a cappella ensemble The King's Singers join forces with The Concordia Choir - one of the USA's best collegiate choirs - to perform works by by some of the best composers of the day Eric Whitacre, Bob Chilcott and Morten Lauridsen. One would have high expectations of such a stellar combination and this recordings amply fills those expectations and more. Included here is The King's Singers' more considered interpretation of ''Lux Aurumque', alongside their witty version of Chilcott's settings of poems by cummings, Joyce, Larkin and Raleigh in 'Even Such Is Time'. A standout is The Concordia Choir's rendition of Whitacre's 'Cloudburst' which thrills.

Songlist: Oculi Omnium, O Nata Lux, Lux Aurumque, Even such is time , Anyone lived in a pretty how town, A flower given to my daughter , Days, Even such is time, Cloudburst , High Flight, This Marriage , O Magnum Mysterium, Alone, The Stolen Child, A Thanksgiving

King's Singers : Joy to the World

Review: The first new Christmas CD from the King's Singers since their popular 2004 release 'Christmas', this new disc sets an eclectic assortment of modern Christmas classics with special arrangements of some much loved favourites. 'Precise intonation, instinctive articulation, a downy, luxuriant tone, all captured in an excitingly lifelike recording' - International Record Review. 'The King's Singers' style is beautifully detailed, and even the most familiar carols sound fresh.' - Classic FM Magazine

Songlist: Rise up, shepherd, and follow, Gabriel's message, Noel nouvelet , What child is this?, The crown of roses , O little one sweet, Lullay my liking, Stille Nacht , The quiet heart , There is a flower, Joy to the world , Serenade d'hiver, The twelve days of Christmas , Gaudete, God rest you merry gentlemen , The little drummer boy , Jingle bells, Deck the hall with boughs of holly

National Youth Choir of Great Britain : Songs of the Baltic Sea

Review: East meets West on this new recording as two great singing traditions are brought together, to thrilling effect. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union the three Baltic states have emerged as powerhouses of choral innovation and imagination. Mike Brewer and the NYCGB bring all their customary fervour and virtuosity to bear on this programme of masterworks from three of Europe's smallest, yet musically richest, countries.

Songlist: Tau Bet Kokios Sutemos, Lacrimosa, Hyme a St. Martin, Calling Up, A Shoe For The Stone Horse, There Should Have Been, Magic, Earth, Glory, Holy Evening, Guessing Song, O, Kalyudka!, Spring Is Coming, To the Newborn Christ, Cantus Maris Baltici

Various Artists : Angelic Voices: Sound of the Boy Treble

Review: Nine British trebles feature in this Regis release showcasing the tradition of the boy treble. The collection is taken over a 25 year period from the Alpha and Abbey labels and covers many different musical genres - an essential purchase for lovers of vocal/choral music and for those interested in the English Cathedral Tradition.

Songlist: Morning Has Broken, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Love Bade Me Welcome, Flocks In Pastures Green, Can She Excuse My Wrongs, Flowers In The Valley, Strawberry Fair, Come Again, The Lark In The Clear Air, Faery Song, The Birds, Trottin' To The Fair, Zwiegesang, The Tailor And The Mouse, Voi Che Sapete, Heidenroslein, Die Forelle, O For The Wings Of A Dove, Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation, How Beautiful Are The Feet, Gather Ye Rosebuds, It Was A Lover And His Lass, Laudamus Te, Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Voces8 : A Choral Tapestry

Review: 'A Choral Tapestry' explores the rich timbres of sacred vocal music spanning five centuries. Interweaving genres create an ethereal sonic tapestry that centers around masterpieces from Europe's rich choral history.

Songlist: Os Justi, Vigilate, Kyrie from Mass for Four Voices, Cantate Domino, O Magnum Mysterium, Magnificat Primi Toni, Warum ist das Licht gegeben?, Go Down Moses, O Clap Your Hands, Das Agnus Dei, Wir glauben an einen Gott, Fest - und Gedenkspruche, Unsere Vater hoffen auf dich, Wenn ein starker Gewappneter, Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk, Steal Away, Abendied, The Lamb, Agnes Dei from Mass for Four Voices

Review: When Laszlo Heltay founded the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chorus in 1975, he set the standards for the fresh, clear tone now admired throughout the choral world. Grammy-winning conductor Richard Hickox leads the Chorus in a selection of 12 'Works for Unaccompanied Chorus' by the beloved Australian composer/arranger Percy Grainger. Grainger wrote original pieces, and arranged folk songs that he sought out in the English and Scottish countryside and around the world. Included are 'My Love's in Germanie,' 'Six Dukes Went A-fishin',' 'O Mistress Mine,' 'Mary Thomson,' 'Early One Morning,' 'Irish Tune from County Derry,' 'Agincourt Song,' 'Australian Up-Country Song, 'Recessional,' 'At Twilight,' 'The Gypsy's Wedding Day' and 'Mo Nighean Dubh.' Wonderful, authentic folk songs, beautifully sung by a top-drawer chorus!

Songlist: My Love's in Germanie, Six Dukes Went A-fishin', O Mistress Mine, Mary Thomson, Early one Morning, Irish Tune from Country Derry, Agincourt Song, Australian Up-Country Song, Recessional, At Twilight, The Gipsy's Wedding Day, Mo Nighean Dubh (My dark-haired maiden), Ye Banks and Braes O' Bonnie Doon, Soldier, Soldier, Jungle-Book Verses, Near Woodstock Town, Love at First Sight

Review: Alamire won the British Library contract to record the soundtrack for their 2009 exhibition celebrating 500 years since the coronation of Henry VIII. 'Henry's Music' includes a world premiere recording of the contents of MS Royal 11.e.xi (a royal choirbook gifted to King Henry in around 1518), which is to produced in full-colour facsimile by the Folio Society, and tribute motets by Robert Fayrfax, Philippe Verdelot, and John Taverner. Alamire is joined by the cornet and sackbutt ensemble QuintEssential and gothic harpist Andrew Lawerence-King.

Songlist: O Christe Jesu, pastor bone, King's Pavan, England be glad, Consort XII, Madame d'amours, Tandernaken, Salve radix, Psallite felices, Sub tuum presidium, Quam pulcra est, Hec est preclarum, Beati omnes , Consort XIII, O my heart, Helas madame, Though some saith, Nil majus superi vident, Consort VIII, Adieu madame, En vray amoure , Lauda vivi alpha et oo

Review: Josquin Desprez is widely recognized as the greatest of the Renaissance master musicians. He set the standard for the various compositional techniques borrowed and utilized by most composers of his generation and beyond, and became an iconic figure whose art captivated musicians and scholars for centuries. This recording centres around some of Josquin's earliest works, and, in particular, his fascination with the D'ung aultre amer rondeau composed by his teacher Johannes Ockeghem. Also included are some of his most popular motets and chansons performed here by a solo voice (Clare Wilkinson) with renaissance harp (Andrew Lawrence-King).

Songlist: Missa D'ung aultre amer, Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus / Tu solus qui facis mirabilia , Agnus dei, De tous beins plaine, Mille regretz, Ave Maria, Qui belles amours, Fortuna d'un gran tempo, Planxit autem David, Cela sans plus, Sanctus 'D'ung aultre amer', Tu lumen, tu splendor patris, La Bernardina, Victimae paschali laudes / D'ung aultre amer , Adieu mes amours , Ile fantazies de Joskin , Tu solus qui facis mirabilia / D'ung aultre amer,

Review: Philippe Verdelot was the most important composer of Italian madrigals in the early 16th century and recognized as the greatest innovator of the genre. A Frenchman, he occupied several important musical posts in Italy, including the Florentine posts of maestro di cappella at the Baptistry of S. Maria del Fiore and the great Duomo itself. In the mid 1520s, during his time in Florence, a set of part-books were assembled, probably under Verdelot's supervision, for the court of Henry VIII. Most, if not all, of the works were composed by Verdelot. This is the first recording of the complete madrigals in the collection, which stands not only as the most exceptional of diplomatic musical gifts but is also an important source for the history of the early madrigal.

Songlist: Italia mia bench' el parlar', Con l'angelico riso, Quanto sia lieto il girono, Lasso, che se creduto, O dolce nocte, Madonna qual certeca, Afflicti spirti mei, Dentr' al mio cor', Quando nascesti, Amore?, Piove da li occhi, Pur troppo, donna, I vostri acuti dardi, Chi non fa prove, amore, Leit' e madonna et io pur, Con lacrim' et sospir' negando porge, Donna, se fera stella, Ognun si duol' d'amore, Altro non e el mio amor', Madonna io v'amo e taccio, Si suave e l'inghanno, Se ben' li occhi, Cortese alma gentile, Quanta doleca amore, Donna che sete fra le donne belle, La bella donna, Deh, quant' e dolc' amor, Donna leggiadr' et bella, Madonna, per voi ardo, Amor, io sento l'alma, Ultimi mei sospiri

Review: The political intrigue of the early 17th century culminated with the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the beginning of the Commonwealth led by the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. Thomas Tomkins, the greatest composer of that age, wrote a pavan for 'these distracted times' shortly after the King's execution. This CD provides a mixture of Tomkin's church and chamber music that soothed troubled souls during these turbulent years. The recording was made in the chapel of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where Cromwell was a student and where his severed head remains.

Songlist: Pavan I, Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, Hear my prayer, O Lord, The heavens declare, Te Deum, A Fancy, Jubilate, O Lord, how manifold, Pavan VII, I heard a voice from heaven, Magnificat, Pavan 'for these distracted times', Nunc dimittis, Pavan VIII, Remember me, O Lord, When David heard, My help cometh from the Lord,

Review: When Sir Michael Tippett first worked with the BBC Singers in 1944, the experience was such that he recalled nearly 50 years later that 'It was to be the first of many such occasions when a composer's dreams were brought to fulfillment.' Tippett's relationship with the BBC Singers went back to almost the beginning of his career, and he often expressed intense admiration for them. His faith is rewarded here. Now under the Conductor Laureate, Stephen Cleobury, the present-day BBC Singers return the compliment with this program of his works for choir, both unaccompanied and with organ. The plaintive high solo of the Nunc Dimittis, floating above strange middle-range harmonies, soars worlds away from cosy Anglican convention. The 'sprung' rhythms of Dance Clarion Air and The Windhover have a muscular freedom unlike anything in contemporary English music. The strangely irregular figures Tipett waves around the tune in Over the Sea to Skye may seem over-ingenious at first, but by the end their quite hypnotic, at the same time challenging the ear to re-examine a very familiar melody.

Songlist: Dance, Clarion Air, Plebs Angelica, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, Unto The Hills, England: Early One Morning, Ireland: Lilliburlero, Scotland: Poortith Cauld, Wales: Gwenlian, Over The Sea To Skye, The Source, The Windhover, Lullaby, Steal Away, Nobody Knows, Go Down, Moses, By and by, Deep River

Review: The world-renowned choral composer and conductor Bob Chilcott leads the BBC Singers, as well as the internationally recognised soloists Simone Rebello and Paul Silverthorne, in these new performances of some of his best and most loved choral works. The choir is renowned as an expert ensemble and here they sing splendidly under Chilcott's direction. The selection of music on this disc has been well made to give a good variety of perspectives on Bob Chilcott's choral output - a resourceful composer and one who writes exceptionally well for voices and he is superbly served here by the virtuosity of the BBC Singers. This is a glorious showcase of one of the finest choral composers at work in Britain today.

Songlist: The Skin, The Barrel of the Drum, The Two Curved Sticks of the Drummer, Gourds and Rattles, The Gong - Gong, My Prayer, O sapientia, O Adonai, O Radix Jesse, O Clavis David, O Oriens, O Rex Gentium, O Emmanuel, The Shepherd's Carol, And Every Stone Shall Cry, Pange Lingua, The Runner, The Last Invocation, One's - Self I Sing, Beach, Simple Pictures of Tomorrow, Weather Report,

Review: When an ensemble like the BBC Singers, renowned for its commitment to the music of our time, sets out to record a Christmas CD you can be sure that the repertoire will include material rather different from the usual run of popular standards and arrangements! One star, at last includes eight new carols (six of them specially-commissioned by BBC Radio 3), several premiere recordings, and a selection of music - serious and light-hearted, contemplative and joyful - by some of the leading British, European and North American choral composers of the day. Composers include Martland, Weir, Ades, MacMillan, Tavener, Kornowicz, Rodney Bennet and Harle.

Songlist: Nowell Sing We Now, From Lands that see the Sun Arise, Make we Joy, There is no Rose of Such Virtue, I Wonder as I Wander, Illuminare, Jerusalem, The Shepherd's Gift, Corpus Christi Carol, The Fayrfax Carol, The Shepherds Sing, Today the Virgin, Oczekiwanie (Waiting), O Magnum Mysterium, Sleep, little Jesus, sleep, Romance of the Angels, Mrs. Beeton's Christmas Plum Pudding, Nativitas, Seinte Mari Moder Milde, Carol, One Star, at Last

Review: Daniel Asia recently won the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award for composition, and has been the recipient of many competitive grants and fellowships in music including a Meet The Composer/Reader's Digest Consortium Commission, United Kingdom Fulbright Arts Award Fellowship, Guggenheim Fellowship, four NEA Composers Grants, a M. B. Rockefeller Grant, and many more. Britain's foremost professional chamber choir, the BBC Singers, was founded in 1924. As a vital resource in the BBC's music output, the BBC Singers hold a unique position in British musical life. Performing everything from Byrd and Birtwistle to Tallis and Takemitsu, the versatility of this 24-voice ensemble is second to none.

Songlist: Purer Than Purest Pure (1997)- i thank You God, Purer Than Purest Pure (1997)- who sharpens ever dull, Purer Than Purest Pure (1997)- o the round little man, Purer Than Purest Pure (1997)- goo-dmore-ning, Purer Than Purest Pure (1997)- o the little round man ii, Purer Than Purest Pure (1997)- jake hates, Purer Than Purest Pure (1997)- purer than purest pure, Why? Jacob (1978-9), Summer Is Over (1997)- so many selves, Summer Is Over (1997)- this is a rubbish of human rind, Summer Is Over (1997)- in Spring, Summer Is Over (1997)- the of an it, Summer Is Over (1997)- who were so dark, The She Set (1981, 2008)- Isis in Despair , The She Set (1981, 2008)- Orpheus, The She Set (1981, 2008)- She, The She Set (1981, 2008)-Prayer Before Drowning, Out Of More (1997)- hush , Out Of More (1997)- nine birds, Out Of More (1997)- or who and who, Out Of More (1997)- when serpents bargain, Out Of More (1997)- nine birds ii, Out Of More (1997)- out of more, Sounds Shapes (1973, revised 2008)- quarternote= 60 , Sounds Shapes (1973, revised 2008)- floating, Sounds Shapes (1973, revised 2008)- quarternote- 60

Review: A recording of works by the world renowned choral composer Bob Chilcott. Bob has been involved in choral music for most of his life and since he became a professional composer in 1997 he has had over 100 works published by Oxford University Press. He was hailed by Gramophone magazine as 'one of the finest choral composers at work in Britain today.' This CD includes tracks with The Sirens, an ensemble of young professional women's voices specially created for this recording. Also featuring are a jazz trio with Alexander Hawkins on piano, Michael Chilcott on bass and Dereck Scurll on drums. The works included here reflect the strong support and interest that Bob's vocal music generates, with commissions from a wide variety of choral societies, children & youth choirs and professional choruses.

Songlist: Circles Of Motion, Like A Rainbow, All Things Pass, Making Waves, The Lily and the Rose, So Fair and Bright, Catch a Falling Star, Swansong 1, Like a Singing Bird, Swansong 2, All for Love of One, Bring Me the Sunset in a Cup, Awake, My Soul, This Day, The Bright Field, O Lord, Support us all the Day Long, Kyrie Eleison, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei

Review: The 16 young, fair-faced boys in their red and white robes with crisp, white collars and dark ties, file into the magnificent cathedral, as they have done for some 550 years now since King Henry VI, no older than an undergraduate himself, founded King's College and their choir. Here are 17 selections, possibly the greatest sacred choral music written since that time: Cesar Franck's 'Panis Angelicus' and 'Alleluia,' Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's 'I Waited For The Lord' and 'Lift Thine Eyes,' Gabriel Faure's 'Pie Jesu,' 'Ave Maria' and the 4 movements of his 'Messe Basse,' Verdi's 'Laudi Alla Vergine Maria,' the 2 movements of Sigfrid Karg-Elert's 'Dritte Sinfonische Kanzone,' Schubert's 'Gott Ist Mein Hirt' and others. Light organ accompaniment. This is the music that has filled cathedrals like this one for centuries, with worshippers wanting to hear the voices of angels in a place where they would certainly be found. Soaring, beautiful music from the Boys of King's College!

Songlist: Panis Angelicus , I Waited For The Lord , Laudi Alla Vergine maria, Lift Thine Eyes, The Lord Is my Shepherd, Pie Jesu , Alleluia!, Ave Maria , Gott Ist Mein Hirt, Ex Ore Innocentium, I Sing of a Maiden , Messe Basse , Dritte Sinfonische Kanzone

Review: British mixed sextet (2 women, 4 men) Cabinet Shuffle has been singing top-drawer a cappella in many of the classiest venues in England, for a Who's Who of corporate and professional clients. With clean, tight harmonies and sweet leads reminiscent of the Swingles and Manhattan Transfer, and a varied repertoire from Bach to the Beatles and Josquin to Jazz, the Shuffle are crowd-pleasers extraordinaire! Their recordings (their first, the excellent 'It Don't Mean A Thing,' 'Cambridge' is #2) are equally crisp, elegant and entertaining. Beginning with two winners, 'New York' and the heart-tugger 'Loch Lomond,' we are then treated to a vocal feast: the traditional Italian tune 'Bella Calou,' Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' and 'The Longest Time,' Gershwin's 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' Harold Arlen's 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' 'Bring Him Home,' John Denver's 'Perhaps Love,' and Lerner and Loewe's 'I Could Have Danced All Night' are all delightful. It's all good, and we think that this talented group is ready for a much wider audience and some larger venues, especially over here 'across the pond!'

Songlist: New York , Loch Lomond, The Three Ravens, Malaguena, Bella Caiou, Le Baylere, And So It Goes, Pavane, A Nightinsgale Sang In Berkeley Square, Someone To Watch Over Me, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, I Won't Send Roses, I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home, I Could Have Danced All Night, The Longest Time, Chansom d'Amour, Perhaps Love, If You Leave Me Now, Come FLy With Me

Review: In the first paragraph of the 32-page liner notes to 'A Cappella' we learn that 'a cappella,' translated from the Italian, means 'in the style of the chapel,' probably a reference to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, where a tradition of unaccompanied singing has gone on since the Renaissance. Although the meaning of the term has since expanded to include unaccompanied secular music, it's clear that the Cambridge Singers hold to the original meaning, as none of the music on this CD would sound out of place under the Sistine's famous ceiling. Directed by the renowned John Rutter, the CS bring us the finest sacred music, first 11 songs from England and Germany, then 14 songs from France, all written in the 19th and 20th centuries. We have Britten's 'Hymn to St. Cecilia,' four songs from Brahms' 'Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen,' five songs from Schuman's 'Vier doppelchorige Gesange, Op. 141,' R.L. Pearsall's 'Lay a Garland,' Frederick Delius' 'The Splendour Falls on Castle Walls,' Ravel's 'Trois Chansons,' Debussy's 'Trois Chansons de Charles d'Orleans,' and eight songs from 'Chansons Francaises.' As most of the lyrics are in German or French, it's nice to have the extensive liner notes with all the words and translations. Beautiful music, angelically sung!

Songlist: Hymn To St. Cecilia, Nun Stehn Die Rosen In Blute, Die Berfe Sind Spitz, Am Wildbachen Die Weiden , Und Gehst Du Uber Den Kirchhof, An Die Sterne, Ungewisses Licht, Zuversicht, Talismane, Lay A Garland, The Splendour Falls On Castle Walls, Nicolette, Trois Beaux Oiseaux Du Paradis, Ronde, Dieu! Qu'il La Fait A Bon Regarder, Quant J'ai Ouy Le Tabourin, Yver, Vous N'estes Qu'un Villain, Magoton Va T'a L'iau, La Belle Se Sied Au Pied De La Tour, Pilons I'orge, Clic, Clac, Dansez Sabots, C'est La Petit' Fill' Du Prince, La Belle Si Nous Etions , Ah! Mon Beau Laboureur, Les Tisserands

Review: The first all-new Christmas recording from John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers for almost 20 years. John Rutter directs the Cambridge Singers, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the award-winning Farnham Youth Choir alongside guest soloists Melanie Marshall, Clara Sanabras and Elin Manahan Thomas, for an unforgettable festival of Christmas music.

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, Gaudete, The Shepherd's Carol, Nos Galan, I Wonder As I Wander, Ave Maria, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Rejoice And Be Merry, El Noi De La Mare, A Christmas Overture, Born On A New Day, Magical Kingdom, Mary's Boy Child, Esta Noche, Sleigh Ride, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, New Year, I Wish You Christmas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Review: Song In Season is a major collection of new choral music by John Rutter, featuring a host of previously unrecorded works in glittering performances by the Cambridge Singers and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by the composer, John Rutter: A Song in Season ranges across the church's year, incorporating music for Christmas, Epiphany, Pentecost, Easter and Harvest. The first album of new anthems and canticles by Rutter since his landmark 2002 recording of the Mass of the Children, this beautifully-packaged release promises to delight both seasoned Rutter followers and new listeners.

Songlist: Wells Jubilate, Look to the Day, To Every Thing There is a Season, Carol of the Magi, O Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me Out, Most Gorious Lord of Life, Look at the World, Veni Sancte Spiritus, Lord, Thou Hast Been our Refuge, I Am With You Always, The King of Blis, Winchester Te Deum

Review: 21 favorite Rutter anthems, taken from classic Cambridge recordings. The talented, prolific (29 excellent CDs in the Primarily A Cappella catalog) 33-strong, mixed-voice Cambridge Singers were founded by John Rutter after he gave up his position as Director of Music at Clare College, Cambridge in 1979, to allow himself more time for composition. Here are 21 of Rutter's finest Christian anthems, culled from the many fine recordings by the Singers. The title tune, 'Open thou mine eyes,' the lovely 'Wings of the morning,' the triumphant 'O be joyful in the Lord,' 'All things bright and beautiful,' 'As the bridegroom to his chosen,' the soaring 'Loving Shepherd of thy sheep,' 'O clap your hands,' 'Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace,' 'God be in my head,' 'Thy perfect love' - these are all joyful, positive songs of worship and celebration, the best of everything we love about John Rutter and his Singers. Some accompaniment. 'Be Thou My Vision' is a winning, inspirational collection!

Songlist: Be thou my vision, Open thou mine eyes, I will sing with the spirit, A Gaelic Blessing, Wings of the morning, O be joyful in the Lord, All things bright and beautiful, I will lift up mine eyes, As the bridegroom to his chosen, A Prayer of Saint Patrick, Loving Shepherd of thy sheep, Look at the world, O clap your hands, The Lord is my light and my salvation, Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace, I believe in springtime, God Be in My Head, A Clare Benediction, For the beauty of the earth, Thy perfect love, The Lord bless you and keep you

Review: This recording presents a selection of fifteen of the 150 or so Latin motets and three of the dozens of English anthems that, between them, form the greater part of the life's work of William Byrd (1543-1623), the greatest English composer of his era. The chosen motets and anthems represent just some of the many facets of Byrd's sacred music, now recognized after three centuries of neglect as among the most glorious every written for choir.

Songlist: Sing Joyfully, Turn our captivity , Praise our Lord, all ye Gentiles, Emendemus in Melius, Siderum Rector , Plorans plorabit , Visita, quaesumus Domine, Attollite portas, Laudibus in Sanctis, Gaudeamus omnes , Ave Verum Corpus, Veni, Sancte Spiritus, Christus resurgens , Solve iubente Deo, O Magnum Mysterium, Non vos relinquam, O quam suavis, Justorum animae

Review: 'The aim of this recording is to evoke a sense of the winter season, as reflected in some of the infinitely varied music inspired by it. Christmas inevitably lies at the heart of this wonderful melange of scared and secular, spiritual and convivial, poetic and earthy.' - John Rutter. A compilation of tracks from 1982 thru 2003, mostly recorded in the Great Hall of University College School, London where the exquisite acoustics showcases the voices of the choir to perfection. A most enjoyable Christmas collection indeed!

Songlist: Candlelight Carol, O magnum mysterium, Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Puer nobis, Of a Rose, a lovely Rose, Lullay mine liking, In the bleak mid-winter, Away in a manger, Wild Wood Carol, Videntes stellam, Chanson, What Sweeter Music, Veni Redemptor gentium, Hodie Christus natus est, Hodie Christus natus est, Angels we have heard on high, What cheer?, Wassail song, Good Ale, The very best time of year

Review: The incomparable Cambridge Singers bring us 22 carols, old and new: In dulci jubilo, Adam lay ybounden, Christmas Night, Once, as I Remember, A spotless Rose, In the Bleak Mid-winter, There is a Flower, The Cherry Tree Carol, I Wonder as I Wander, Candlelight Carol, O Tannenbaum, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Virgin Most Pure, I Sing of a Maiden, Lute-Book Lullaby, Ballet, The Three Kings, Myn Lyking, O Little One Sweet, etc.

Songlist: In Dulci Jubilo, Adam Lay Ybounden, Christmas Night, Once, As I Remember, A Spotless Rose, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, There Is A Flower, The Cherry Tree Carol, I Wonder As I Wander, Candlelight Carol, O Tannenbaum, Tommorow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Virgin Most Pure, I Sing Of A Maiden, Lute-Book Lullaby, The Three Kings, Myn Lyking, O Little One Sweet , All My Heart This Night Rejoices, I Saw A Madian, Away In A Manger, Nativity Carol

Review: Recorded in 1981 shortly after the Cambridge Singers formation, 'Christmas Star' then quickly disappeared, as the master tapes were lost. However, the original digital version was found in 1996. Therefore, the Cambridge Singers first Christmas release can once again be heard. Directed by John Rutter, whose standard of taste and excellence is of legendary repute, this multivoice classical ensemble has a pure and weightless tone and broad dynamic range, from pianissimo to forte. With arrangements also by Rutter, the carols are mostly familiar, such as 'I Wander As I Wander,' 'Ding Dong! Merrily On High' and 'What Child Is This,' but there are a few rarities: 'O Little One Sweet,' and 'Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime.'

Songlist: Good Christian Men, Rejoice, I Wonder As I Wander, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Silent Night, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Three Kings Of Orient, How Great Our Joy, Angels We Have Heard On High, Joy To The World, Away In A Manger, Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, What Child Is This?, 'Twas In The Moon Of Winter Time, O Little One Sweet, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Away In A Manger, Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow, The Christmas Song, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful

Review: The 28 mixed young voices of the Cambridge Singers bring us a remastered recording (originally recorded in 1982) of unaccompanied English church music from the 16th to 20th centuries, designed to be sung in a building with acoustics that allow its characteristic sonority to be heard in its full splendorÐin this case the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, built in 1350. There are 23 motets and anthems here, from 4 periods in history, 'Music of the Latin Rite,' 'Music of the Reformation,' 'Music of the Restoration' and 'The Anglican Revival and the 20th century.' Extensive, complete liner notes. Acclaimed director John Rutter was not sure if the marvelous sound of the Singers in the Chapel could be reproduced, but was gratified to find that it could. Marvelous soaring, angelic sacred music from an unequaled, ancient acoustic!

Songlist: 1) Music Of The Latin Rite, Ave Maria, Loquebantur Variis Linguis, Miserere Mei, Haec Dies, Ave Verum Corpus, 2) Music Of The Reformatiion, If Ye Love Me, Hide Not Lhou Thy Face, Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake, O Clap Your Hands, Bow Thine Ear, Hosanna To The Son Of David, 3) Music Of The Restoration, Lord, How Long Will Thou Be Angry, Thou Knowest, Lord, Hear My Prayer, O Lord, 4) The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century, Beati Quorum Via, This Joyful Eastertide, Sing Lullaby, A Spotless Rose, What Cheer?, O Taste And See, A Hym To The Virgin, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, Faire Is The Heaven

Review: The 'fancies' that give this album its title are the fleeting ideas, dreams and whims that flit like Will-o'-the-wisps through the imagination of every artist. I have always thought that they were captured to perfection by the Elizabethan poets and by their collaborators, the madrigal composers such as Weelkes, Wilbye and Morely; and, looking back now on the music heard on this recording, I realize how much of it was inspired by the madrigalian spirit. Fancies was written in 1971 for the Richard Hickox Singers and Orchestra (the orchestra was later renamed the City of London Sinfonia, who play on this recording). The first performance was given in London, repeated shortly afterwards at an open-air concert one lovely summer's evening by the River Thames in rural Berkshire, a perfect setting for it. The Suite Antique, dating from 1979, also has a Berkshire association: I was asked to write it for the Cookham Festival, to be peformed by Duke Dobing and the London Baroque Soloists at a concert in Cookham Parish Church. Bach's Fifth Brandenburg Concerto was on the programme, so I decided to write for the same combination of instruments, and to pay musical homage to the forms and styles of Bach's day. - John Rutter

Songlist: Fancies, Tell me where is fancy bred, There is a garen in her face, The urchins' dance, Riddle song, Midnight's bell, The bellman's song, Suite Antique, Prelude, Ostinato, Aria, Waltz, Chanson, Rondeau, Five Childhood Lyrics, Monday's child, The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, Windy nights, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Sing a song of sixpence, When Icicles Hang , Icicles, Winter nights, Good ale, Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Winter wakeneth all my care, Hay, ay

Review: Tis is a re-release at mid-price of John Rutter's Gramophone Award-winning 1984 recording of Faure's Requiem. The first-ever performance on disc of the work in its intimate original version - famously re-discovered by Rutter in the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris after a century of neglect - it remains one of the timeless jewels in the crown of the Collegium catologue. Hailed on release as 'the Faure Requiem of the future' (Music Week), Rutter's performance with the Cambridge Singers and members of the City of London Sinfonia has transformed the way in which we view one of the great works of European sacred music, and remains definitive.

Songlist: Requiem: Introit et Kyrie, Offertoire, Sanctus, Pie Jesu, Agnus Dei, Libera me, In paradisum, Ave verum Corpus, Tantum ergo, Ave Maria, Maria, Mater gratiae, Cantique de Jean Racine, Messe Basse: Kyrie eleison, Messe Basse: Sanctus, Messe Basse: Benedictus, Messe Basse: Agnus Dei

Review: Strong, stirring spirituals and tuneful, jazz-flavored settings of Shakespeare's timeless lyrics are the mouth-watering ingredients of the Cambridge Singers' eagerly-awaited new album Feel the Spirit. John Rutter has written vivid new arrangements of seven well-loved American spirituals for choir, with soloist Melanie and the BBC Concert Orchestra joining with the Cambridge Singers for this world premiere recording. Another notable 'first' is jazz legend George Shearing's captivating new cycle of Shakespeare settings, Songs and Sonnets. Those who associate George Shearing with instrumental jazz (and of course with his immortal Lullaby of Birdland) will be astonished and delighted at the youthful charm and skillful word-setting of this 81-year old master's choral writing. The final touch of sparkle is added by Proms favorite Wayne Marshall's piano, with Malcolm Creese on bass. To complete the album, John Rutter's own Birthday Madrigals Ð written in 1995 to celebrate George Shearing's 75th birthday Ð also receives their premiere recording.

Songlist: Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho, Steel Away, I Got A Robe, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit, Deep River, When The Saints Go Marching In, Live With Me And Be My Love, When The Daffodils Begen To Peer, It Was A Lover And His Lass, Spring, Who Is Silvia, Fie On Sinful Fantasy, Hey, Ho, The Wind And The Rain, The Heavenly Aeroplane, Lord Of The Dance, It Was A Lover And His Lass, Draw On Sweet Night, Come Live With Me , My True Love Hath My Heart, When Daisies Pied, Skylark

Review: The sixteenth-century madrigal was an Italian form. The term 'madrigal' was loosely applied to a wide variety of music, but generally denoted a polyphonic setting for four or more voices of an amorous or pastoral text which was closely depicted in the music. Thomas Morely transplanted the form into England in the 1590s; this marked the beginning of the brief but brilliant flowering of the English madrigal. Between the 1590s and the early 1620s, twenty composers published a total of 36 books of madrigals, after which the form virtually disappeared. Some of these composers, such as Morely and Weelkes, followed the Italian model closely; others, such as Byrd and Gibbons, mostly stayed with the simpler English form of the consort song, where the tune remains in one voice, word-painting is not used, and strophic form is preferred to the continuous structure of the madrigal proper. Among the twenty-one items selected for this recording there are examples of several types of piece, ranging from true Italianate madrigals such as Too much I once lamented, via more popular 'balletts' such as Fyer, fyer!, to the simple part-songs like A little pretty bonny lass. The variety, imagination, and inspired blending of poetry and music characteristic of the best of the 'English Madrigal School' afford a particular kind of delight in performance, shared equally by singer and listener.

Songlist: Hark, all ye lovely saints above , Though Amaryllis dance in green, Round about in a fair ring , Adieu, ye city-prisoning towers , Flora gave me fairest flowers , Sweet Suffolk owl , As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending , Lullabye , This sweet and merry month of May , Now is the month of maying , A little pretty bonny lass , Fyer, fyer! , Too much I once lamented , My bonny lass she smileth , Ha ha! This world doth pass , Quick, quick, away, dispatch! , Dainty fine bird , Come again! Sweet love doth now invite , Mother, I Will have a husband , Draw on, sweet night , Sleep, fleshly birth, Weep, weep, mine eyes , Death hath deprived me , The silver swan , Adieu, sweet Amaryllis

Review: The music heard on this recording represents a cross-section of the sacred choral pieces I have written over a period of some twelve years. Two paramount considerations have shaped it: first, the performers and occasions it was commissioned for, and second, the texts (which I always choose with great deliberation). Gloria, the most substantial piece, was written as a concert work. The Latin text, drawn from the Ordinary of the Mass, is a centuries-old challenge to the composer: exalted, devotional and jubilant by turns. My setting, which is based mainly on one of the Gregorian chants associated with the text, divides into three movements roughly corresponding with traditional symphonic structure. The other pieces are all anthems, primarily intended for use in the context of a church service. They range in difficulty from very simple to fairly challenging, though it was my hope in writing them that none would be beyond the reach of a capable church choir. Although the accompaniments were originally for organ (or, in the case of For the beauty of the earth and All things bright and beautiful, for piano), I enjoyed scoring them for orchestra and prefer them in this form. The three unaccompanied pieces, however, (God be in my head, Open thou mine eyes, and A prayer of Saint Patrick) reflect my love of the a cappella medium.

Songlist: First Movement: Allegro vivace , Second Movement: Andante, Third Movement: Vivace e ritmico , O clap your hands , All things bright and beautiful, The Lord is my shepherd, A Gaelic Blessing, For the beauty of the earth, Praise ye the Lord, God be in my head, Open thou mine eyes, A prayer of Saint Patrick, The Lord bless you and keep you

Review: This CD of sacred music dedicated to the Virgin Mary was appropriately recorded in the unique acoustic of the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral(built in 1350) in 1991 by the 28-strong mixed Cambridge Singers. Mary was the object of particularly intense devotion in the early Christian church from 1291 to the 20th century, as these 21 beautiful motets and songs will attest. The liner notes are fine, detailed and extensive. They are divided into 4 parts, 'Advent to Candlemas,' 'Candlemas to Holy Week,' 'Easter to the Sunday after Pentecost' and Trinity to Advent.' The amazing sound of the Singers soars up into the timeless acoustic of the Lady Chapel, and we can only close our eyes and be amazed.

Songlist: Part 1: Advent To Christmas, Alma Redemptoris Candlemas, Ave Virgo Sanctissima, There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue, Ave Maria, Ave Virgo Gloriosa, Part 2: Candlemas To Holy Week, Ave Regina Caelorum, Stabat Mater, Ave Maria, Laudi Alla Vergine Maria, Ave Maria, Dostoino Yest, Part 3: Easter To The Sunday After Pentecost, Regina Caeli Laetare, Regina Caeli, Hail! Blessed Virgin Mary, Hymne A La Vierge, Magnificat, Part 4: Trinity To Advent, Salve Regina , Alleluia. Ave Maria, Vidi Seciosam, Ave Maria, Ave Maria

Review: John Rutter directs the 28-strong Cambridge Singers in the inspiring setting of the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, gathering together 23 examples of English sacred a cappella choral music drawn from several centuries. Some pieces, such as the Taverner 'Christe Jesu, pastor bone,' or the Howells' 'Nunc dimittis,' were written for the Catholic liturgy; most of the English anthems were for the Anglican rite; but such pieces as Tomkins' 'When David heard,' Morley's 'Nolo mortem peccatoris' and Amner's 'Come, let's rejoice' were probably intended for domestic performance. In all cases, the beauty of the music transcends ancient politics and the years themselves, as it always must!

Songlist: 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 Sheperd Of Thy Sheep, The Lord's Prayer, In Manus Tuas, Bring Us, O Lord God

Review: Messiah, (1741), the glorious oratorio by George Frideric Handel, is among the most popular works in the Western choral literature. Here is a fabulous new recording from world-renowned conductor and composer John Rutter. Remarkably, this is the first time Rutter has recorded the Messiah. Named on The Today Show as 'the greatest living composer and conductor of choral music,' he is probably the most successful choral composer of his generation. Messiah is performed here by the Cambridge Singers, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by John Rutter. The soloists are Joanne Lunn, Melanie Marshall, James Gilchrist, and Christopher Purves. The 2-CD set includes a 24-page booklet with the text of Messiah and interspersed photos from the recording session at All Hallows Gospel Oak, London. A treasured possession to be enjoyed year after year.

Songlist: Sinfonia, Comfort Ye, My People, Every Valley Shall Be Exalted, And the Glory of the Lord, Thus Saith the Lord, But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?, And He Shall Purify, Behold, a Virgin Shall Conceive, O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion, For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover the Earth, The People that Walked in Darkness, For unto Us a Child Is Born, Pifa, There Were Shepherds Abiding in the Field, Glory to God, Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion, Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Opened, He Shall feed His Flock, His Yoke Is Easy, Behold the Lamb of God, He Was Despised, Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs, And with His Stripes We Are Healed, All We Like Sheep Are Gone Astray, All They That See Him Laugh Him to Scorn, He Trusted in God, Thy Rebuke Hath Broken is Heart, Behold, and See If There Be Any Sorrow, He Was Cut Off Out of the Land of the Living, But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell, Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates, Unto Which of the Angels, Let All the Angels of God Worship Him, Thou Art Gone Up on High, The Lord Gave the World, How Beautiful Are the Feet, Their Sound Is Gone Out, Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together?, Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder, He That Dwelleth in Heaven, Thou Shalt Break Them, Hallelujah, I know That My Redeemer Liveth, Since by Man Came Death, Behold, I Tell You a Mystery, The Trumpet Shall Sound/, Then Shall Be for Us, O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?/But Thanks Be to God, If God Be for Us, Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain/Amen

Review: Generations of composers have created a remarkable body of choral literature, inspired by the events in the life of Christ. John Rutter directs the 29-strong Cambridge Singers in a cappella renditions of some of the most beautiful works from this body, divided into five groups. In the first group, 'The Coming of Christ,' we have pieces by E.C. Bairstow, da Palestrina and Handl, as well as a Sarum chant, 'Veni, Redemptor gentium.' In the second group, 'Words of Christ,' we find pieces by Heinrich Schutz, P.I. Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. In the third group, 'The Passion of Christ,' we have works by Anton Bruckner, da Palestrina, T.L. de Victoria, Pablo Casals and Antonio Lotti. In the fourth group, 'Resurrection and Ascension,' there are pieces by Peter Phillips, da Palestrina and William Bird. And in the fifth group, 'Christ in the Eucharist,' we have works by T.L. de Victoria, Richard Dering, Samuel Barber, Olivier Messiaen and a lovely Gregorian chant, 'Pange Lingua.' The 24-page liner notes contain all words and translations. Let us find an imaginary place in the cathedral and hear the soaring praises to the remarkable man for whom it was built!

Songlist: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Veni, Redemptor Gentium, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Omnes De Saba Venient, Ich Bin ein Rechter Weinstock, The Crown Of Roses, Vo Tsarstvii Tvoyem (The Beatitudes), Pater Noster, Christus Factus Est, Good Friday, Reproaches (Improperia), Eram Quasi Agnus, O Vos Omnes, Crucifixus (For Eight Voices), Surgens Jesus, Ascendo Ad Patrem, Viri Galilaei, Jesu, Dulcis Memoria, Ave Verum Corpus, Pange Lingua, Agnus Dei , O Sacrum Convivium

Review: The service of Compline is the last of the seven daily services observed in monastic communities, taking place immediately before bedtime. This CD gathers together 18 of the many lovely a cappella choral motets, mainly from the Renaissance period, which were written to adorn the evening worship of the church. Composers featured include William Byrd, Orlando de Lassus, John Sheppard and others. In some traditions it became the custom to include a Motet of the Virgin Mary within Compline. Here we have four examples by de Victoria and a beautiful Ave Maria by Rachmaninov. The Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter, sing as well as ever and the clear and cool acoustic of the Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral make it the perfect setting for Compline. In addition there is a 22 minute bonus disc in which the Office of Compline, sung in English with its traditional chants, is given in its entirety with John Harte as Reader and Simon Wall as Precentor.

Songlist: In Pace, Libera Nos, Salva Nos, Justorum Animae , Pastor Noster , O Lord, The Maker Of All Thing , Visita, Quaesumus Domine, Abendlied , O Christ Who Art The Light And Day , O Gladsome Light , Te Lucis Ante Terminum , Alma Redemptoris Mater , Ave Regina Caelorum , Regina Caeli Laetare , Ave Maria , Bogoroditsye Dyevo , In Manus Tuas , In Manus Tuas

Review: This specially-priced CD includes John Rutter's two most often-performed, larger choral works, previously on two separate recordings. The recording represents two sides of Rutter's choral style - the gentle and introspective Requiem, the bright and joyful Magnificat. Requiem was written in 1985, when Rutter was moved by a personal bereavement.Ê Rutter describes it as 'a meditation on themes of life and death using a personal compilation of texts.' Magnificat, written in 1990, premiered in Carnegie Hall. 'In countries such as Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico,' writes Rutter, 'feast days of the Virgin are joyous opportunities for people to take to the streets and celebrate with singing, dancing and processions. These images of outdoor celebration were, I think, somewhere in my mind as I wrote....' - John Rutter

Songlist: Requiem, - Requiem aeternam, - Pie Jesu, - Sanctus, Agnus Dei , - The Lord is my shepherd, - Lux aeterna, Magnificat, - Magnificat anima mea, - Of a Rose, a lovely Rose, - Quia fecit mihi magna, - Et misericordia, - Fecit potentiam, - Esurientes, - Gloria

Review: Written in late 2002, in time for a Carnegie Hall performance, performed here by the renowned Cambridge Singers, Cantate Youth Choir and London Sinfonia, and conducted by the composer, the five movements of Rutter's 'Mass,' are a delight. Following are the lovely 'Look at the World,' 'To every thing there is a season,' the joyous 'Wings of the Morning' and 'A Clare Benediction.' Then we have the uplifting 'I will sing with the spirit,' the flute-accompanied Musica Dei donum,' 'I my Best-Beloved's am,' and finally 'Come down, O Love divine.' This is beautifully-performed music that fills us with joy and hope, the hope of the children.

Songlist: Mass of the Children:, -Kyrie, -Gloria, -Sanctus and Bendictus, Agnus Dei , -Finale, Look at the world, To every thing there is a season, Wings of the morning, A Clare Benediction, I will sing with the spirit, Music Dei donum, I my Best-Beloved's am, Come down, O Love Divine

Review: Fa la la, a cornucopia of your favorite Madrigals! John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers sing English madrigals and folk songs. As entertainment for public occasions and a relief from boredom, the English madrigal comes in a wide variety of styles from dramatic to silly. This recording includes lighter pieces such as 'Now is the Month of Maying' and 'My Bonnie Lass She Smileth' by Thomas Morley, the somber 'Silver Swan' by Orlando Gibbons and the comical 'Fair Phyllis' by John Farmer. In addition, the program includes folk song arrangements by Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughn Williams. A classic recording.

Songlist: Come Away, Sweet Love , Weep, O Mine Eyes , Fair Phyllis I Saw , Now Is the Month of Maying , Fairwell, Dear Love , April Is In My Mistress' Face , Draw On, Sweet Night , Sing We At Pleasure , My Bonny Lass She Smileth , The Silver Swan , Mother, I Will Have A Husband , Dainty Fine Bird , As Vesta Was from Latmos Hill Descending , I Love My Love , My Sweetheart's Like Venus , Bushes and Briars, The Turtle Dove , The Three Ravens, Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron, O Waly, Waly, Greensleeves

Review: Francis Poulenc's interest in choral music began in the early 1920's. During his study with the composer Koechlin, he harmonized Bach chorale melodies. This work had a distinct influence on him. It was not until the 1930's that he began to write for the choral medium more seriously. Poulenc wrote many pieces for accompanied and unaccompanied choir. His astonishing music has very twentieth century sounds but is heavily influenced by earlier styles. The 'Quatre motets pour un temps de penitence' have a very dark and dramatic intensity much like the pieces of Victoria, who Poulenc often thought about while writing them. The Cambridge Singers have recorded many of his great choral works. This album includes the 'Gloria' for soprano solo, mixed choir and orchestra, 'Litanies a la Vierge Noire' for female voices, strings and timpani and many of his unaccompanied motets.

Songlist: Gloria:, Gloria, Laudamus Te, Domine Deus, -Domine Fili unigenite, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, Salve Regina, Ave Verum Corpus, Exultate Deo, Litanies a la Vierge Noire, Quatre Motets Pour Un Temps de Penitence:, Timor et tremor, Vinea mea electa, Tenebrae factae sunt, Tristis est anima mea, Quatre Motets Pour le Temps de Noel:, O Magnum Mysterium, Quem vidistis pastores dicite, Videntes stellam, Hodie Christus natus est

Review: Choral fans will be very excited about the meeting of two of the most versatile musical minds of their generation, Rutter and Bennett in a CD that is Gramophone Magazine's Editor's Choice for May 2005 and on many lists for Choral disc of the year. The title work, 'Sea Change,' set to texts by Shakespeare, Andrew Marvell and Edmund Spenser, is 4 pieces, sometimes Britten-esque, dramatic, swirling, agitated, emotional, dissonant and always interesting. 'A Farewell to Arms,' written for the ensemble VocalEssence for a cappella choir and solo cello, are poignant poems of an old soldier's recollection of war. 'A Good-Night ' is a lovely motet written in memory of Linda McCartney. The last 8 tracks feature some of Bennett's most accessible works, which happen to be Christmas songs. 'There is no rose,' 'Out of your sleep,' 'That younge child,' 'Sweet was the song,' 'Susanni,' 'Lullay mine liking' and 'What sweeter music' are simply beautiful. The Cambridge Singers, directed by Rutter, are perfect, handling this difficult material with ease. 'Sea Change' is a rare, very special recording!

Songlist: The Isle Is Full of Noises, The Bermudas, The Waves Come Rolling, Full Fathom Five, A Farewell To Arms, A Good-Night, Verses, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei , There Is No Rose, Out of Your Sleep, That Younge Child, Sweet Was the Song, Susanni, Lullay Mine Liking, What Sweeter Music, Puer Nobis

Review: Directed by John Rutter, this recording takes as its grand objective a collection of 'hymns for all time.' Drawn from the Anglican tradition without apology, many of these 21 compositions are accompanied, by anything from a single harp to the London Sinfonia Brass, though there are some a cappella chants. There is nothing stiff or abstract about these arrangements, however. The Cambridge mixed ensemble breathes a vitality into each note, and folk hymns such as 'Be Thou My Vision' couldn't be lovelier. Those listeners who grew up singing these hymns in church will be especially fond of 'Sing, Ye Heavens,' but anyone can enjoy the purity of the sound of the Cambridge Singers.

Songlist: O God, Our Help In Ages Past, The King Of Love My Shepherd Is, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Veni, Creator Spiritus, Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending, Love Divie, All Loves Excelling, Pange Lingua, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Vexilla Regis, Drop, Drop, Slow Tears, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Be Thou My Vision, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Morning Has Broken, Amazing Grace, We Plough the Fields and Scatter, Glory to Thee, My God, This Night, The Day Though Gavest, Lord, Is Ended, Eternal God, Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

Review: This recording is a choral tribute to the sacred music of two visionary composers who, among their other achievements, made distinctive, lasting and much-cherished contributions to the musical repertory of the English Church. There are many links between Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) and Herbert Howells (1892-1983), the most obvious being that from 1912 to 1916 Howells was one of Stanford's many composition students at the Royal College of Music in London, where Howells was himself later to teach composition for over fifty years. Both men were outstanding teachers, Stanford in particular being virtually father to a whole generation of British composers, including Vaughn Williams, Holst, Bridge, Butterworth, Bliss, Ireland and Gurney. With the exception of the Howells Requiem and the two sacred part-songs, the music heard on this recording was intended for use in the church, in the context of the Anglican liturgy. As such, much of it is familiar and well-loved within Anglican circles but all too little-known elsewhere. It deserves to be more widely appreciated on its own considerable merits.- John Rutter

Songlist: Magnificat in G, Magnificat, Magnificat in B flat, Nunc Dimittis in B flat, O for a closer walk, Like as the Hart, The fear of the Lord, Requiem, Salvator mundi, Psalm 2, Requiem aeternam, Psalm 121, I Heard A Voice From Heaven, When Mary thro' the garden went, Long, long ago, Te Deum in C, All My Hope on God is founded

Review: This tranquil program is a selection of pieces from classic Cambridge Singers recordings. From Gregorian chant through the twentieth century this CD includes Allegri's 'Miserere,' 'Draw on Sweet Night' by John Wilbye, 'Tantum Ergo' by Gabriel Faure and 'What Sweeter Music' by John Rutter. Most of these pieces are a cappella, with the others being accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia. This recording is a great addition to a peaceful moment.

Songlist: Adoro Te Devote, Pie Jesu, Visita, Quaesumus Domine, Draw On, Sweet Night, O Can Ye Sew Cushions, The Silver Swan, Down By The Sally Gardens, In Manus Tuas, Miserere, Tantum Ergo, Justorum Animae, O Quam Suavis, Laudi Alla Vergine Maria, Alma Redemptoris Mater, What Sweeter Music

Review: Ever since my musical life began, church music has played a significant and cherished part in it: first as a boy soprano in my school chapel choir, then as a teenage organist, much later as director of the chapel choir at Clare College, Cambridge, and most recently as conductor of the Cambridge Singers, whose recordings and recitals often include sacred music. Given this background, it is almost inevitable that among my compositions there should be a fair amount of church music, most of which has been written in response to commissions and invitations. All of the pieces heard on this recording were primarily intended for use in the context of a church service or festival, originally accompanied (with the exception of the two hymn arrangements with brass fanfares) just by organ or piano. However, I also scored the accompaniments for orchestra, and hope they may find use in this more colorful form. John Rutter

Songlist: Te Deum, Be thou my vision, I believe in springtime, Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace, O be joyful in the Lord, All creatures of our God and King, A choral fanfare, As the bridegroom to his chosen, Christ the Lord is risen again, Thy perfect love, The Lord is my light and my salvation, Go forth into the world in peace, Now thank we all our God