Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of sacred choral music with Samuel Sebastian Wesley's "Samuel Sebastian Wesley: Sacred Choral Music." This exquisite collection, released on May 24, 2024, under Delphian Records, showcases the profound and uplifting compositions of one of the most celebrated figures in English choral tradition. Spanning a rich 74 minutes, the album features a diverse array of Wesley's works, each piece a testament to his mastery of choral writing and his deep spiritual insight.
From the opening notes of "Blessed be the God and Father" to the closing harmonies of "All People That on Earth do Dwell," the album is a journey through Wesley's sacred repertoire. Highlights include the intricate and moving "Let us Lift up our Heart," a multi-part work that showcases the depth and range of Wesley's compositional skills, and "The Wilderness," a powerful and evocative seven-part piece that draws the listener into a world of contemplation and reflection. The album also features the majestic "Communion Service in E Major," a grand and sweeping work that underscores Wesley's ability to blend sacred text with soaring melodies and harmonies.
Samuel Sebastian Wesley, a prominent figure in 19th-century English church music, brings a unique blend of classical tradition and personal devotion to his compositions. His works, often characterized by their rich harmonies and expressive melodies, have been cherished by choirs and audiences alike for generations. This album is a celebration of Wesley's enduring legacy, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic vision of a true master of sacred choral music. Whether you are a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a deeply rewarding and enriching listening experience.
(C) 2024 Delphian Records(P) 2024 Delphian Records
Tracks
Blessed be the God and FatherSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Hilary Cronin
O Give Thanks unto the LordSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Hilary Cronin, Eve McGrath, Amy Blythe, Oscar Golden Lee, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
O Thou who Camest from Above (‘Hereford’)Samuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
Let us Lift up our Heart: I. Let us Lift up our HeartSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
Let us Lift up our Heart: II. Be not very Sore, O LordSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Hilary Cronin, Eve McGrath, Elizabeth Paul, Oscar Golden Lee, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
Let us Lift up our Heart: III. Thou, O Lord GodSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
Let us Lift up our Heart: IV. Thou Judge of Quick and DeadSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
Let us Lift up our Heart: V. O may we thus EnsureSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
Wash me ThroughlySamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Hilary Cronin
The Wilderness: I. The WildernessSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Eve McGrath, Elizabeth Paul, Daniel Thomson, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
The Wilderness: II. Say to Them of Fearful HeartSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
The Wilderness: III. Then Shall the Lame Man LeapSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Daniel Thomson
The Wilderness: IV. For in the WildernessSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Eve McGrath, Elizabeth Paul, Daniel Thomson, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
The Wilderness: V. And a Highway Shall be ThereSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
The Wilderness: VI. And the Ransomed of the LordSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
The Wilderness: VII. And Sorrow and SighingSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Eve McGrath, Elizabeth Paul, Daniel Thomson, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
Psalm 142Samuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
Communion Service in E Major, Credo: I. I Believe in one GodSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Gavin Cranmer-Moralee
Communion Service in E Major, Credo: II. Who for us MenSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers, Hilary Cronin
Communion Service in E Major, Credo: III. And the Third DaySamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
Communion Service in E Major, Credo: IV. And I Believe in the Holy GhostSamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
O God, Whose Nature and PropertySamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers
All People That on Earth do Dwell (‘The Hundredth Psalm’)Samuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir of Holy Sepulchre, The National Musician's Church, Toby Ward, Richard Gowers