Edmund Rubbra's "Rubbra: Choral Works" is a captivating collection of sacred choral compositions that showcases the composer's profound musical language and spiritual depth. Released on September 1, 2000, by Chandos, this album spans a concise yet impactful 56 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of sacred music that resonates with both the heart and the intellect.
The album opens with the transcendent "Song of the Soul," a piece that embodies intimate communication and union with the divine love of God. Rubbra's mastery of choral writing is evident in the intricate harmonies and lyrical melodies that weave through this opening track. The album continues with "Mediaeval Latin Lyrics," a four-part suite that explores a range of emotions from the playful "Rondel" to the mournful "Lament," demonstrating Rubbra's versatility and ability to convey a wide spectrum of human experiences.
"Inscape," another highlight of the album, is a five-movement work inspired by the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins. Each movement is a musical interpretation of a different poem, offering a unique blend of text and sound that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The album concludes with two significant works: "Veni, creator Spiritus," a powerful invocation of the Holy Spirit, and the "Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine," a four-movement work that reflects on the birth of Christ, culminating in a serene and contemplative "Chorale."
Edmund Rubbra's "Rubbra: Choral Works" is a testament to the composer's ability to create music that is both deeply spiritual and universally accessible. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in sacred choral music and the works of this distinguished British composer.
2000 Chandos Records2000 Chandos Records
Tracks
Song of the Soul (in intimate communication and union with the love of God), Op. 78Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: I. Rondel. Allegro vivace e sempre leggieroEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: II. Plaint. LentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: III. Pastoral. GiocosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Mediaeval Latin Lyrics, Op. 32: V. Lament. LentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
Inscape, Op. 122: I. Pied BeautyEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: II. The Lantern out of DoorsEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: III. SpringEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: IV. God's GrandeurEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Inscape, Op. 122: V. EpilogueEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Veni, creator Spiritus, Op. 130Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: I. RecitativeEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: II. AriaEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: III. Acrostic HymnEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
Advent Cantata. Natum Maria Virgine, Op. 136: IV. ChoraleEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus
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