Immerse yourself in the sacred choral works of Samuel Sebastian Wesley, a prominent figure in English church music of the 19th century. This album, released on February 1, 2013, under the Chandos label, is a testament to Wesley's enduring legacy and his profound ability to blend spirituality with musical excellence. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, the album is a collection of Wesley's most revered compositions, each piece a masterclass in choral arrangement and sacred music.
The album opens with "Blessed be the God and Father," setting the tone for a journey through Wesley's interpretations of biblical texts and liturgical settings. Standout tracks include the multi-part "Ascribe unto the Lord," a series of anthems that showcase Wesley's intricate harmonies and rich choral textures. The "Morning and Evening Service in E Major" offers a serene and contemplative experience, while "The wilderness and the solitary place" is a powerful and uplifting choral work that highlights Wesley's ability to evoke deep emotion through music.
The album also features the "Three Pieces for Chamber Organ, Book II," providing a solo organ piece that contrasts with the choral works and demonstrates Wesley's versatility as a composer. The final track, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace," leaves the listener with a sense of tranquility and spiritual fulfillment.
Samuel Sebastian Wesley's "Ascribe Unto the Lord - Sacred Choral Works by Wesley" is not just an album but a collection of timeless pieces that continue to inspire and uplift. Whether you are a fan of choral music, a student of sacred music, or simply someone seeking a moment of peace and reflection, this album is a must-listen.
2013 Chandos Records2013 Chandos Records
Tracks
Blessed be the God and FatherSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Peter Hicks
Wash me throughly from my wickednessSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Jason Cobb
Ascribe unto the Lord: I. Ascribe unto the LordSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
Ascribe unto the Lord: II. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holinessSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Alec D'Oyly, Andrew Jones, Peter Hicks, James Imam, Julian Gregory
Ascribe unto the Lord: III. As for the gods of the heathenSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
Ascribe unto the Lord: IV. They that make them are like unto themSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, James Imam, Julian Gregory, Samuel Oladeinde, Basil McDonald
Ascribe unto the Lord: V. The Lord hath been mindful of usSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Peter Hicks, James Imam, Julian Gregory, Huw Leslie
Psalms 42 and 43: Like as the hart desireth the water brooks - Give sentence with me, O GodSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
Morning and Evening Service in E Major: I. MagnificatSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, James Imam, Alexander Simpson, Julian Gregory, Samuel Oladeinde, Kieran Brunt
Morning and Evening Service in E Major: II. Nunc dimittisSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
The wilderness and the solitary place: I. The wilderness and the solitary placeSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Peter Hicks, James Imam, Julian Gregory, Basil McDonald, Alexander Simpson
The wilderness and the solitary place: II. Say to them of a fearful heartSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Basil McDonald
The wilderness and the solitary place: III. Then shall the lame man leap as an hartSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Peter Hicks, James Imam, Julian Gregory, Basil McDonald, Alec D'Oyly
The wilderness and the solitary place: IV. And the ransomed of the Lord shall returnSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
The wilderness and the solitary place: V. And sorrow and sighing shall flee awaySamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Alec D'Oyly, James Imam, Kieran Brunt, Julian Gregory, Basil McDonald
Three Pieces for Chamber Organ, Book II: No. 2. Larghetto in F-Sharp MinorSamuel Sebastian Wesley, John Challenger
O give thanks unto the Lord: I. O give thanks unto the LordSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
O give thanks unto the Lord: II. Who can express the noble acts of the LordSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Peter Hicks
O give thanks unto the Lord: III. Blessed are they that alway keep judgmentSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger, Peter Hicks, James Imam, Samuel Oladeinde, Geoffrey Clapham
O Thou who camest from aboveSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peaceSamuel Sebastian Wesley, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, John Challenger
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