Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English church music with The Cambridge Singers' exquisite album, "Faire Is the Heaven: Music Of the English Church." Released on September 1, 1988, under the Collegium label, this choral masterpiece spans a captivating hour and ten minutes, offering a diverse collection of sacred and festive compositions that showcase the ensemble's virtuosic prowess and deep reverence for the genre.
The album is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary works, featuring timeless pieces like "Ave Maria" and "Hosanna to the Son of David," alongside lesser-known gems such as "What Cheer?" and "A Spotless Rose." The Cambridge Singers, renowned for their impeccable diction and expressive phrasing, breathe new life into these sacred texts, creating an atmosphere of spiritual contemplation and joyous celebration.
From the somber introspection of "Hide Not Thou Thy Face From Us, O Lord" to the exuberant jubilation of "This Joyful Eastertide," the ensemble navigates the full spectrum of human emotion with unparalleled artistry. The album also includes a selection of enchanting Christmas carols, such as "Sing Lullaby" and "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree," making it a perfect companion for the holiday season.
With its exquisite performances and meticulous attention to detail, "Faire Is the Heaven" is a testament to The Cambridge Singers' enduring commitment to the choral tradition. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of sacred music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire, offering a profound and uplifting listening experience.
1988 Collegium1988 Collegium
Tracks
Ave MariaRobert Parsons, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Loquebantur variis linguisThomas Tallis, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Cantiones sacrae II: Miserere meiWilliam Byrd, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Cantiones sacrae II: Haec diesWilliam Byrd, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Ave verum corpus, T. 92William Byrd, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
If Ye Love MeThomas Tallis, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Hide Not Thou Thy Face From Us, O LordRichard Farrant, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's SakeRichard Farrant, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
O Clap Your HandsOrlando Gibbons, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Bow Thine Ear, O LordWilliam Byrd, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Hosanna to the Son of DavidOrlando Gibbons, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry, Z. 25Henry Purcell, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Thou Knowest, Lord, the Secret of our Hearts, Z. 58CHenry Purcell, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Z. 15Henry Purcell, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Latin Motets, Op. 38: No. 3, Beati quorum viaCharles Villiers Stanford, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
This Joyful Eastertide (Arr. C. Wood)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Carol Anthems: No. 1, Sing LullabyHerbert Howells, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
What Cheer?William Walton, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
O Taste and SeeRalph Vaughan Williams, Mary Seers, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Faire Is the HeavenWilliam Henry Harris, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
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