Immerse yourself in the ethereal and sacred sounds of the Westminster Cathedral Choir with their 1999 release, "Panufnik: Westminster Mass & Sacred Works." This captivating album is a testament to the choir's exceptional skill and the rich diversity of sacred choral music. Spanning a little over an hour and fourteen minutes, the album features a blend of Gregorian chant, choral masterpieces, and requiem pieces that showcase the choir's versatility and profound musicality.
The album opens with Mawby's serene "Ave verum corpus" and Mathias's contemplative "The Doctrine of Wisdom," setting a spiritual tone that permeates the entire collection. The centerpiece of the album is Panufnik's "Westminster Mass," a monumental work divided into seven parts, each showcasing the choir's ability to convey both solemnity and jubilation. The mass is followed by Tavener's haunting "Funeral Ikos," adding a poignant touch to the collection.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Rubbra's "Missa in honorem Sancti Dominici," a six-part mass that highlights the choir's technical prowess and emotional depth. The album concludes with Pärt's meditative "The Beatitudes" and Howells's tender "Salve regina," leaving the listener with a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.
Recorded under the Warner Classics International label, this album is a must-listen for fans of choral music and anyone seeking a profound musical experience. The Westminster Cathedral Choir's impeccable performance and the carefully curated selection of sacred works make this album a timeless treasure in the world of classical music.
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