April 2012 – Alto CD

Byrd: Mass for 5 Voices/ Ave Verum Corpus etc/ Gibbons: Verse Anthems

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:35 +0000

(Mass for 5 Voices) “the serenity of the King’s account, with its long flowing paragraphs, remains very appealing..Under Willcocks, there is an inevitability of phrasing and effortless control of sonority and dynamics that completely capture the music’s spiritual and e motional feeling”(Gibbons) “the collection is imaginatively chosen…Gibbons is a major musical personality” (Penguin Guide 3 stars)

1. Kyrie 1.51
2. Gloria 5.32
3. Credo 10.30
4. Sanctus 2.37
5. Benedictus 1.41
6. Agnus Dei 4.08
7. Magnificat (from The Great Service) 10.35
8. Nunc Dimittis (from The Great Service) 6.07
9. Motet: Ave Verum Corpus 4.28

(1-9) Recorded 1960
Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)

10. See, See the Word is Incarnate 7.15
11. Glorious and Powerful God 6.03
12. Second Preces: I Will Magnify Thee /Psalm 145 5.53

(10-12) with the Jacobean Consort of Viols: Thurston Dart (Treble Viol), Desmond Dupre (Tenor Viol), Dennis Nesbitt, Dietrich Kessler (Bass Viols), Nigel Amherst (Violone)
Recorded 1959

ANDRÉS SEGOVIA – MAESTRO

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:35 +0000

‘Segovia was in his 95th year when he died in 1987. By then he had become the most famous guitarist of his day and had been responsible for enhancing both the status and the repertoire of the guitar immeasurably. He was touring and playing right up to the end and gave his last recital in April 1987 at Miami Beach only a month before his death. Throughout, Segovia played and recorded music from the 16th century through to his own day. His repertoire contained many works composed especially for him – and numerous arrangements of music for other instruments.’ (Peter Avis)

1. Luis de Milán (c.1500-61): Pavane No.6 2.11
2. Luis de Milán: Pavane No.5 1.16
3. Robert de Visée (c.1660-1725): Passacaille 3.13
4. Anon.: Giga Melancolica 1.56
5. Josef Haydn (1732-1809): Largo assai from Op.74/3 5.38
6. Josef Haydn: Menuet from Op.76/1 3.59
7. Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909): Zambra Granadina 4.43
8. Gaspar Sanz (1640-1710): Gallardas 2.40
9. Gaspar Sanz: Españoleta 1.23
10. Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757): Sonata in G, L.79 – Allegro 2.43
11. Fernando Sor (1778-1839): Andante largo from 6 short pieces Op.5 5.34
12. Fernando Sor: Rondo from Sonata Op.22 4.10
13. Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47): Song Without Words, Op.30 No.3 2.15
14. Federico Morena Torroba (1891-1982): Romance de los Pinos 1.41
1-14 recorded 1960-61 (stereo)
15. Manuel Ponce (1882-1948): Prelude 1.48
16. Manuel Ponce: Allemande 2.38
17. Manuel Ponce: Cancion Mexicana No.3 1.30
18. Manuel Ponce: Thème varié et Finale 7.56
19. Federico Morena Torroba: Serenata Burlesca 2.56
20. Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Capriccio Diabolico (Omaggio a Paganini) 9.11
15-20 recorded 1954

The Welsh Male Voice Choir Tradition: Morriston Orpheus

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:35 +0000

“The special tradition of the Welsh Male Voice Choir ‘wells up from the Valleys’ here in stirring and passionate performances of classics sung in both Welsh and English”

1. Land of My Fathers (James James) 1:58
2. Song of the Jolly Roger (C.F. Chudleigh Candish) 2:11
3. Tydi a Roddaist (Arwel Hughes) 4:08
4. Roll, Jordan, Roll (Ar lan Iorddonen ddofn) (Trad. spiritual arr. Jacobson) 2:28
5. Rock of Cader Idris (Trad. arr. Rogers) 3:12
6. All Thro’ the Night (Trad. arr. Roberton) 3:12
7. We’ll Keep a Welcome (Mai Jones/Joshua/Harper) 2:17
8. God Bless the Prince of Wales (H.B. Richards) 3:29
9. Aberystwyth (arr. Joseph Parry) 2:59
10. Lullaby (Brahms Op.49/4 arr. West/Rotheray) 2:28
11. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (from Nabucco) (Verdi) 3:27
12. Deus Dalutis (‘Llef’) (Griffith Huw Jones arr. Thomas) 2:52
13. The Long Day Closes (Sir Arthur Sullivan) 3:51
14. Hen wlad fy Nhadau (James James) 1:58
15. Rhyfelgyrch gwyr Harlech (March Of The Men Of Harlech) (Trad. arr. Evans) 3:06
16. Cyfri’r Geifr (Counting The Goats) (Trad. arr. Roberts) 2:45
17. Y delen Aur (The Golden Harp) (David Pughe-Evans) 4:01
18. Myfanwy (Arabella) (Joseph Parry) 4:01
19. Daffyd y Garreg Wen (David of the White Rock) (David Owen arr. Protheroe) 2:56
20. When Evening’s Twilight (John Liptrot Hatton) 2:59
21. Linden Lea (Vaughan Williams arr. Thomas) 3:02

Vivaldi: Music for Vespers

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:14 +0000

“This disc casts helpful light on a side of the Priest-Composer rarely glimpsed, helping further dispel the absurd myth that he wrote one piece several hundred

[1] Deus in adiutorium meum intende VERSICLE &
Domine ad adiuvandum me festina RESPONSE (RV593) 2.53
[2] Gloria Patri et Filio 3.47
[3] Sicut erat in principio 2:13

BEATUS VIR (RV597) PSALM 111

[4] Beatus vir 2.30
[5] Potens in terra 2.41
[6] Gloria et divitiae Antiphon 2.53
[7] Exortum est Antiphon 3.18
[8] Jucundus homo 2.40
[9] In memoria aeternum Antiphon 4.49
[10] Paratum cor eius 2.08
[11] Peccator videbit 3.29
[12] Gloria Patri et Filio Antiphon 2.39

STABAT MATER (RV621) HYMN

[13] Stabat Mater dolorosa Largo 2.59
[14] Cuius animam Adagissimo 1.45
[15] O quam tristis Andante 1.52
[16] Quis est homo Largo 2.55
[17] Quis non posset 1.50
[18] Pro peccatis Andante 1.55
[19] Eja Mater Largo 2.33
[20] Fac ut ardeat Lento 1.44
[21] Amen Allegro 1.15

MAGNIFICAT (RV610) CANTICLE

[22] Magnificat 1.06
[23] Et exultavit 2.10
[24] Et misericordia 3.10
[25] Fecit potentiam 0.30
[26] Deposuit potentes de sede 1.04
[27] Esurientes implevit bonis 1.20
[28] Suscepit Israel 0.47
[29] Sicut locutus est 1.41
[30] Gloria Patri et Filio 2.04

Palestrina Missa Brevis & Missa Lauda Sion, 2 Motets

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:14 +0000

“Lauda Sion is, in Pro Cantione Antiqua’s sober and elegant account, hardly less beautiful than the Brevis…slightly plangent countertenor complements the minor inflexions of this major-mode work….but there is nothing tentative in the delivery. The final Agnus is especially beautiful with its added voice in the middle. Further recordings of this work are unlikely to displace this all-male, solo-voice approach… The plainchant relevant to each Mass is beautifully rendered and unobtrusive, and the recording has a full presence whilst not too close.” (Gramophone)

Missa Brevis:

[1] Introitus: Puer natus est nobis 2:28
[2] Kyrie 2:35
[3] Gloria 2:56
[4] Graduale: Viderunt omnes 3:30
[5] Credo 5:17
[6] Offertorium: Tui sunt coeli 1:11
[7] Sanctus 1:40
[8] Benedictus 2:06
[9] Communio: Viderunt omnes 0:27
[10] Agnus Dei 5:09

Missa Lauda Sion:

[11] Introitus: Cibavit eos 2:31
[12] Kyrie 2:03
[13] Gloria 3:12
[14] Graduale: Oculi omnium 3:02
[15] Credo 5:26
[16] Offertorium: Sacerdotes Dominio 1:19
[17] Sanctus 1:52
[18] Benedictus 2:34
[19] Communio: Quotiescumque manducabitis 1:28
[20] Agnus Dei 4:57
[21] Motet: Super flumina Babylonis 4:00
[22] Motet: Sicut cervus 5:52

J S Bach: Motet BWV227 / Sacred Part-Songs / St John Passion choruses

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:14 +0000

“It’s rather nice to go back to the King’s way, to the old firm of Willcocks and Preston, and remember what it was that pleased us then. We were not ashamed in those days to accept Bach as a decent Englishman, and we liked to hear his church music in a devotional context. BWV numbers aid the listener in the Schemelli Gesangbuch items, and the Bartholomew translation of the motet has been renovated. Frankly, it is a lovely and moving record, which will appeal to far more people than any amount of authenticity—and learned folk can enjoy it as a period piece. There is still a need for Bach in English” (Gramophone)

Motet No.3: Jesu meine Freude / Jesu, Priceless Treasure (BWV 227)

1. Chorale: Jesu, priceless treasure 1.44
2. Chorus: So there is now no condemnation 4.13
3. Chorale: In Thine arm I rest me 1.47
4. Trio: Thus then, the law of the Spirit 1.02
5. Chorus: Death I do not fear thee 2.57
6. Chorus: Ye are not of the flesh 3.25
7. Chorale: Hence with earthly treasure 1.44
8. Trio: If therefore Christ abide in you 2.10
9. Chorale: Fare Thee well that errest 3.34
10. Chorus: If by his spirit God 2.11
11. Hence all fears and sadness 1.55

Die Geistliche Lieder und Arien / Sacred Part-Songs

12. O Jesu so meek, O Jesu so kind (BWV 493) 2.59
13. Jesus is this dark world’s light (BWV 474) 2.30
14. Lord, pour not Thy vengeance on me (BWV 463) 2.56
15. Now is the mournful time (BWV 450) 4.43
16. It is finished (BWV 458) 3.50
17. Breath of God, life giving (BWV 445) 2.42
18. God liveth still (BWV 461) 2.31

St. John Passion (trans. A.Raeburn) with the Philomusica of London / David Willcocks

19. Chorus: Lord, our redeemer 9.55
20. Chorus: Rest calm, O body pure and holy…
Chorale: Lord Jesu, thy dear angel send 11.01

Arie Antiche

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:13 +0000

Remembering something joyfully special about those sessions; the place, the music, colleagues, little incidents, can flood back in as we listen ! In the case of anything made at Forde Abbey, this pleasure is guaranteed… Two or three years ago I returned for a concert there, and in the rehearsal, as I sang my first notes in the Great Hall, I knew again that these acoustics are among the most beautiful anywhere in the world, for chamber music and for voices. Add to that the beauty of the house and its grounds, the peace of deepest Somerset, and you can recall sessions as near to a holiday as any work could be !.. One could take any of these pieces and add clusters of accompaniment for larger theatrical spaces, or, as we did, one can search for the essence of each drama with voice, just one plucked instrument and a special space.” (Dame Emma Kirkby, 2012)

[1] Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini) 2:32
[2] Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini/Johann Nauwach) 3:04
[3] Tempesta di dolcezza (Johann Nauwach) 1:44
[4] Parlo, misero, o taccio? (Guilio Caccini /Angelo Notari 4:07
[5] Ahi, che s’accresce in me (Angelo Notari) 2:45
[6] Toccata (Claudio Saracini) (lute solo) 3:25
[7] L’Astratto (Barbara Strozzi) 8:33
[8] Lamento di Maria Stuarda (Giacomo Carissimi) 9:04
[9] Ariadne’s Lament (Henry Lawes) 10:03
[10] Sappho to the Goddess of Beauty (John Blow) 5:21
[11] The blessed Virgin’s Expostulation (Henry Purcell) 6:18
[12] Nature Framed Thee (John Weldon) 6:25

Centenary Album: Very Best of

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:13 +0000

“Klever Kaff or The Lass from Blackburn, originally a telephonist then pianist who yearned to sing, combined two things: the personality to communicate with the widest audience, and encourage them in great music, with world-class artistic quality. Bruno Walter, Mahler’s pupil, said: The greatest thing in music in my life has been to have known Kathleen Ferrier and Gustav Mahler-in that order” (MusicalMerit)

1. Interview with Kathleen Ferrier, Montreal – 1950 1.50
2. Blow the Wind Southerly (Trad. arr. Whittaker) – 1949 2.16
3. The Keel Row (Trad. arr. Whittaker) – 1949 1.41
4. Come You Not from Newcastle? (Trad. arr. Britten) – 1952 1.32
5. Ye Banks and Braes (Trad. arr. Quilter/Burns) – 1949 3.08
6. I Know Where I’m Going (Hughes/adapt. Gray) – 1949 2.20
7. Drink to Me Only (Trad. arr. Quilter/Jonson) – 1949 3.00
8. Ma Bonny Lad (Trad. arr. Whittaker) – 1949 1.46
9. Ca’ the Yowes (Trad. arr. Jacobson/Burns) – 1950 3.21
10. Der Musensohn (Schubert/Goethe) – 1949 2.13
11. An die Musik (Schubert/Schober) – 1949 3.03
12. Have Mercy, Lord (Erbame dich) (St. Matthew Passion: Bach-Eng) – 1946 8.03
13. O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings (Messiah: Handel) – 1952 5.33
14. Ombra mai fu (Largo) (Xerxes: Handel) – 1949 4.38
15. Art Thou Troubled? (Rodelinda: Handel) – 1946 4.36
16. 0 Rest in the Lord (Elijah: Mendelssohn) – 1946 3.36
17. Silent Noon (Vaughan Williams/Rossetti) – 1952 4.51
18. Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal (Quilter/Tennyson) 2.26
19. Kitty My Love (Trad. arr. Hughes) 1.16
20. Down By the Salley Gardens (Trad. arr. Hughes) -1949 3.05
21. Um Mitternacht (Mahler/Rückert) – 1952 6.22
22. What is Life? (Che faro) (Orfeo ed Euridice: Gluck) – 1946 4.23

Favourite Hymns from England

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:13 +0000

“The foundation stone was laid in 1220 for a new cathedral in St Mary’s Mead, part of Salisbury’s water meadows, for what became one of the finest and most imposing medieval structures in England. The dedication took place in 1258. For many years the Cathedral Choir has been recognised as one of the finest in the country and their renown is reflected by the large numbers who attend the daily services.” (J.Murray)

[1] Jerusalem (Blake/Parry) 2:43
[2] Make Me a Channel of Your Peace Arr.S. Lole 2:47
[3] Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken (J. Newton/C. Taylor): Abbots Leigh 3:11
[4] Amazing Grace (Trad. Comp./Newton) 3:10
[5] Lord of the Dance (Trad) Adapted By Sydney Carter 3:05
[6] Onward Christian Soldiers (A. Sullivan/S. Baring Gould) : St. Gertrude 3:39
[7] Morning has Broken (Trad. Words/Fleanor Farjeon) : Bunessan 1:43
[8] How Shall I Sing that Majesty? (J. Mason/K. Naylor) Tune: Coe Fen 2:52
[9] God Be in my Head (Walford Davies) 1:22
[10] O Come, Emmanuel (12th C Latin/J.M.Neale) : C15th French 3:31
[11] There’s a Wideness in Goďs Mercy (F. Faber/Maurice Bevan) : Corvedale 2:25
[12] All Creatures of Our God and King 3:41
(W. Bevan/R. Vaughan Williams) Arr. S. Lole
[13] Christ Triumphant (M. Saward/J. Barnard) : Guiting Power 3:07
[14] The Old Rugged Cross (Rev G Bennard) 4:20
Soprano: Alyusha Chagrin; Bass: John Robinson
[15] We Cannot Measure How You Heal (Flute: Rowan Wright) 3:14
(Graham Alexander Maule/J. Bell) Arr. S. Lole
[16] Lo, He comes with Clouds Descending (Charles Wesley) : Helmsley 4:57
[17] Ride on, Ride on, in Majesty (H. Milman) Winchester New 1:48
[18] Angel Voices (F. Pott/E. Monk/Paul Leddington Wright) 2:55
[19] Stand up, Stand up for Jesus (Duffield/Webb) : Morning Light 2:42
[20] Alleluya, Sing to Jesus (Dix/Pritchard) Arr. S. Lole 3:09
[21] When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Watts/Miller) : Rockingham 2:34
[22] Abide With Me (Monk/Lyte) Tune: Eventide Tenor: Hugh Heatherington 4:09
[23] Psalm 23 (Howard Goodall setting for BBC TV Vicar of Dibley) 3:10

Shostakovich Symphony No.4

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:13 +0000

“Barshai’s performance possesses real urgency and weight of sonority …sense of concentration…satisfying formal coherence…Barshai’s credentials with the composer could hardly be better demonstrated” ( © Gramophone)

1. Allegretto poco moderato 27:12
2. Moderato con moto 8:45
3. Largo – Allegro 26:04