Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant choral works of Herbert Howells with this captivating album, released on March 1, 2010, by Chandos. Spanning a little over an hour and fifteen minutes, this collection showcases the depth and diversity of Howells' compositional prowess, featuring a blend of traditional and contemporary choral pieces.
The album opens with "A Sequence for St Michael," setting the stage for a journey through sacred and reflective music. It includes the evocative "By the Waters of Babylon" and the serene "A Spotless Rose," demonstrating Howells' ability to convey both solemnity and tenderness. The Gloucester Service's "Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis" offers a majestic, anthemic quality, while "Psalm 142" brings a more introspective mood.
Howells' versatility is further highlighted in pieces like "One Thing Have I Desired" and "Like as the Hart," which showcase his skill in crafting melodies that are both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving. The album also features the "Four Anthems to the Blessed Virgin Mary," with the "Salve Regina" standing out as a particularly poignant offering. The "Te Deum, 'Collegium Regale'" concludes the collection with a triumphant flourish, underscoring Howells' mastery of choral writing.
This album is a testament to Herbert Howells' enduring legacy in the choral world, offering a comprehensive exploration of his works that will appeal to both seasoned choral enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
2010 Chandos Records2010 Chandos Records
Tracks
A Sequence for St MichaelHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
By the Waters of BabylonHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Paul Whelan, David Adams, Alice Neary
A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Gloucester Service): I. MagnificatHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Gloucester Service): II. Nunc DimittisHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Psalm 142Herbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
A Grace for 10 Downing StreetHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
One Thing Have I DesiredHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Like as the HartHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Collegium Sancti Johannis Cantabrigiense): I. MagnificatHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Collegium Sancti Johannis Cantabrigiense): II. Nunc DimittisHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Four Anthems to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Op. 9: IV. Salve ReginaHerbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Te Deum, "Collegium Regale"Herbert Howells, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
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