Immerse yourself in the solemn and majestic sounds of the Westminster Cathedral Choir with their 1998 release, "Mortuus est Philippus Rex: Music for the Life & Death of the Spanish King." This choral masterpiece, released under the Hyperion label, is a profound exploration of Gregorian chant and requiem genres, spanning a duration of one hour and five minutes.
The album is a tribute to King Philip of Spain, featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary choral works. The tracklist includes a variety of pieces, from the haunting "Mortuus est Philippus Rex" and "Versa est in luctum" to the intricate sections of the "Missa Philippus Rex Hispaniae." Each track is performed with the precision and reverence that the Westminster Cathedral Choir is renowned for, offering a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting experience.
The album opens with "Mortuus est Philippus Rex," setting a somber tone that is carried throughout the piece. The choir's harmonies are exquisite, and their voices blend seamlessly, creating a sense of unity and reverence. The "Missa Philippus Rex Hispaniae" is a standout, with each section—Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei—offering a different facet of the choir's skill and the composer's artistry.
"Libera me, Domine" closes the album, providing a powerful and reflective end to the musical journey. The Westminster Cathedral Choir's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, making this album a timeless piece of choral music that will resonate with fans of Gregorian chant and requiem genres alike.
Vinylscout