Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Ralph Vaughan Williams with his profound and moving "Mass in G Minor." Released on May 18, 2018, under the esteemed Signum Records label, this classical masterpiece is a testament to Vaughan Williams' enduring legacy. The album spans a captivating hour and seven minutes, offering a deeply spiritual and musically intricate experience.
The centerpiece of the album is the "Mass in G Minor," a choral work that showcases Vaughan Williams' mastery of blending traditional liturgical elements with his distinctive modernist touch. The piece is divided into six sections, each exploring different facets of faith and devotion, from the solemn "Kyrie" to the triumphant "Gloria in excelsis."
Complementing the Mass are a variety of other works that highlight Vaughan Williams' versatility and depth. The "Te Deum in G Major" is a jubilant celebration of divine glory, while "O vos omnes" offers a poignant reflection on sorrow and consolation. The "5 Mystical Songs" provide a meditative journey through themes of love, longing, and transcendence, with the "Antiphon" standing out as a particularly haunting piece.
The album also includes several shorter works, such as the "3 Preludes on Welsh Hill Tunes," which demonstrate Vaughan Williams' ability to weave folk melodies into his compositions, and "O Taste and See," a joyful anthem of gratitude and praise. The collection concludes with "Prayer to the Father of Heaven" and "O, Clap Your Hands," both of which serve as powerful reminders of the composer's ability to evoke deep spiritual emotions through music.
Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Mass in G Minor" offers a deeply rewarding listening experience. The album is a testament to the composer's enduring influence and his ability to create music that resonates on a profound level.
(C) 2018 Signum Records
Tracks
Mass in G Minor: KyrieRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, George Balfour, Peter Lidbetter, Michael Bell, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: Gloria in excelsisRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Daniel Brown, James Adams, Michael Bell, William Ashford, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: CredoRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Hugh Cutting, Peter Lidbetter, William Ashford, Michael Bell, Gopal Kambo, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: Sanctus – Osanna I – Benedictus – Osanna IIRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Matthew Brown, Hugh Cutting, Oliver Morris, James Beddoe, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: Agnus DeiRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, George Balfour, Jack Hawkins, Gopal Kambo, William Ashford, Alfred Harrison, Andrew Nethsingha
Te Deum in G MajorRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
O vos omnesRalph Vaughan Williams, Hugh Cutting, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
5 Mystical Songs: V. AntiphonRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
3 Preludes on Welsh Hill Tunes: II. RhosymedreRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Andrew Nethsingha
O Taste and SeeRalph Vaughan Williams, Alfred Harrison, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Prayer to the Father of HeavenRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
O, Clap Your HandsRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Lord, Thou Hast Been our RefugeRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Daniel Brown, Gopal Kambo, James Adams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
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