Embark on a spiritual journey through the sacred music of Holy Week with "Vexilla regis: A Sequence of Music from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday" by Martin Baker and the renowned Choir of Westminster Cathedral. This exquisite choral album, released on Ad Fontes in February 2020, is a meticulously crafted sequence of 21 tracks that span a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes. Under the skilled direction of Martin Baker and accompanied by the masterful organ playing of Peter Stevens, the choir delivers a profound and moving performance that encapsulates the essence of the liturgical season.
The album features a diverse repertoire of sacred music, including Gregorian chants, motets, and hymns, composed by some of the most revered names in sacred music history. From the stirring "Vexilla regis prodeunt" to the contemplative "Adoro te devote," each piece is performed with the precision and passion that the Choir of Westminster Cathedral is known for. The album also includes notable works such as "Pange lingua gloriosi corporis mysterium" and "Crucifixus à 8," showcasing the choir's versatility and mastery of various musical styles.
Martin Baker, the director of music at Westminster Cathedral, brings his extensive expertise and deep understanding of sacred music to this recording. His thoughtful programming and insightful direction elevate the performances, creating a cohesive and resonant musical narrative that guides the listener through the profound spiritual journey of Holy Week.
"Vexilla regis" is not just a collection of beautiful choral pieces; it is a testament to the enduring power of sacred music to inspire, comfort, and uplift. Whether you are a seasoned choral music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that will resonate long after the final note fades. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this sacred music and let the voices of the Choir of Westminster Cathedral transport you to the heart of the Holy Week liturgy.
2020 Ad Fontes2020 Ad Fontes
Tracks
Ingrediente DominoGeorge Malcolm, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Psalm 21 "Deus, Deus meus, respice in me"Gregorian Chant, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Credo IGregorian Chant, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Improperium expectavit cor meum, LV 852Orlande de Lassus, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Vexilla regis prodeuntGregorian Chant, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Cantiones sacrae I: No. 20, Ne irascaris DomineWilliam Byrd, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Cantiones sacrae I: No. 21, Civitas sancti tuiWilliam Byrd, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Nos autem gloriariGregorian Chant, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
I Give You a New CommandmentJames O'Donnell, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Postquam surrexit DominusMartin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
4 Motets sur des thèmes Grégoriens, Op. 10: No. 1, Ubi caritas et amorMaurice Duruflé, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Adoro te devoteGregorian Chant, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Christus factus est, WAB 11Anton Bruckner, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Popule meusTomás Luis de Victoria, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Pange lingua gloriosi corporis mysteriumGregorian Chant, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Crucifixus à 8Antonio Lotti, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Christe cœlorum DomineGregorian Chant, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Psalm 24 "The Earth Is the Lord's and the Fullness Thereof"Gregorian Chant, Peter Stevens, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Christus factus estFelice Anerio, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
StrepitusAnonymous Liturgical, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Praise to the Holiest in the HeightRichard Runciman Terry, Martin Baker, Peter Stevens, Westminster Cathedral Choir
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