Julian Anderson: Choral Music

Julian Anderson's "Choral Music" is a captivating exploration of the composer's choral works, released on Delphian Records in 2018. Spanning a little over an hour, this album showcases Anderson's diverse musical language, blending traditional choral writing with contemporary influences.

The album opens with "My beloved spake," a setting of a text from the Song of Solomon, followed by the expansive "Bell Mass," a six-movement work that reimagines the traditional Latin Mass through the lens of contemporary choral writing. The album also features settings of spirituals and gospel hymns in "Four American Choruses," demonstrating Anderson's ability to connect with diverse musical traditions.

The album culminates in the serene "Nunc dimittis," a setting of the canticle from Luke's Gospel, sung by the choirs of Trinity College Cambridge and the BBC Singers, conducted by Stephen Layton. Throughout the album, Anderson's music is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate rhythms, and evocative textures, making "Choral Music" a compelling addition to any contemporary classical music collection.