Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of English hymnody with "The English Hymn 3 – Hills of the North, Rejoice" by the renowned Wells Cathedral Choir. Released in 2002 under the Hyperion label, this choral masterpiece spans a comprehensive 75 minutes, featuring 23 tracks that encapsulate the essence of hymns for the church year.
Under the expert direction of Malcolm Archer and Rupert Gough, the Wells Cathedral Choir delivers a performance that is both technically impeccable and spiritually uplifting. The album opens with "Hills of the North, Rejoice (Little Cornard)" and closes with "For All the Saints Who from Their Labours Rest (Engelberg)," offering a journey through the liturgical calendar with hymns that are both familiar and inspiring.
From the joyous celebration of Christmas in "Christmas Carol: II. O Little Town of Bethlehem" to the solemn reflection of Lent in "Forty Days and Forty Nights (Aus der Tiefe)," the choir's versatility and depth are on full display. Each hymn is a testament to the choir's ability to convey the profound emotions and spiritual significance of the texts they sing.
The album also includes well-loved hymns such as "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Rockingham)" and "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty (Nicaea)," which are rendered with a reverence and clarity that highlight the choir's exceptional vocal prowess. The inclusion of "St Patrick's Breastplate (Arr. Stanford)" adds a touch of Celtic spirituality, enriching the album's diverse repertoire.
Whether you are a seasoned choral enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The English Hymn 3 – Hills of the North, Rejoice" offers a captivating exploration of the English hymn tradition. The Wells Cathedral Choir's performance is a celebration of faith, music, and the enduring power of hymns to inspire and uplift the soul.
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