Album Description

GRAMOPHONE CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARDS 2016
Short-listed

Does music add substance to words or is music inspired by them? Songs of departure and farewell are deeply rooted in the great tradition of British choral music, nourished by ancient myths of testing journeys, wayside transformations and homecomings. The transcendent nature of music and the power of poetry to challenge and alter perceptions of reality – harnessed by English composers over many centuries – flow through a programme that invites contemplation of life and death, of love and loss, creation and eternity. In a journey covering six centuries of musical history, The Sixteen performs a cappella anthems with powerful texts by writers as varied as Edmund Spenser, Christopher Fry and W.H. Auden.

Artists

The Sixteen
Harry Christophers

Track Listing:

Sir William Harris (1883-1973)
1. Faire is the heaven

Sir Michael Tippett (1905-1998)
2. Dance, clarion air

Thomas Weelkes (1576-1623)
3. When David heard

James MacMillan (b.1959)
4. The Gallant Weaver

Ivor Gurney (1890-1937)
5. Since I believe in God the Father Almighty

Robert Ramsey (c.1590-1644)
6. When David heard

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
7. Hymn to Saint Cecilia

Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986)
8. There is a spirit

Michael East (1580-1648)
9. When David heard

Herbert Howells (1892 -1983)
10. Take him, earth, for cherishing

Robert Pearsall (1795-1856)
11. Lay a Garland

Rubbra
12. Eternitie

Thomas Tomkins (1572-1656)
13. When David heard

Harris
14. Bring us, O Lord God

 TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 1hr 11mins