Bob Chilcott's "St John Passion" is a profound and moving choral work that masterfully retells the story of the Passion of Christ through a series of powerful and evocative pieces. Released on March 3, 2015, under Signum Records, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, offering a deeply immersive experience for those who appreciate the choral genre.
Chilcott, known for his exceptional ability to blend traditional and contemporary elements, has crafted a work that is both timeless and fresh. The album is divided into three parts, each exploring different aspects of the Passion narrative. From the solemn and reflective "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle" to the poignant and introspective "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," Chilcott's compositions are rich in emotional depth and musical complexity.
The inclusion of hymns such as "It Is A Thing Most Wonderful" and "There is a Green Hill Far Away" adds a layer of familiarity and comfort, while pieces like "Peter’s Denial" and "Jesus Dies on the Cross" delve into the darker, more tumultuous aspects of the story. Chilcott's use of choral harmonies and textures creates a sense of drama and intensity, making each piece a standout in its own right.
"St John Passion" is a testament to Chilcott's skill as a composer and his ability to convey the profound and the sacred through music. Whether you are a long-time fan of choral works or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to resonate long after the final note fades away.
(C) 2015 Signum Records
Tracks
St. John Passion, Part I: Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious BattleBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Nick Baron, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: The GardenBob Chilcott, Ed Lyon, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Hymn: It Is A Thing Most WonderfulBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Peter’s DenialBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Miserere, My MakerBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Hymn - Drop, Drop Slow TearsBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: The Judgement Hall (I)Bob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: Hymn - Jesu, Grant Me This, I PrayBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Jonathan Vaughn, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: Christ, My BelovedBob Chilcott, Wells Cathedral Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: The Judgement Hall (II)Bob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: Away Vain WorldBob Chilcott, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens, Jonathan Vaughn
St. John Passion, Part III: Jesus is CrucifiedBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: Hymn: There is a Green Hill Far AwayBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: The CrucifixionBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: Jesus, My LemanBob Chilcott, Wells Cathedral Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: Jesus Dies on the CrossBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Ed Lyon, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: When I Survey the Wondrous CrossBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
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