COMPOSERS: Byrd/Purcell/Gibbons
LABELS: Griffin
WORKS: Mass for Four Voices; Motets
PERFORMER: Children and Gentlemen of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace/Richard Popplewell
CATALOGUE NO: GCCD 4011
Sadly, I found this debut disc from the Chapel Royal Choir, singing repertoire by three former Masters of Music, a little disappointing. Their robust version of Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices has several rough edges; although such raw vigour does emphasise the score’s vivid word-painting. The ‘Crucifixus’ and ‘Et resurrexit’ in the Credo are especially striking. With sensitive instrumental support, Popplewell and the choristers carefully judge the opposition of reflection and brilliance in Purcell’s Rejoice in the Lord and, despite some minor flaws, they give moving accounts of Thou knowest, Lord, Remember Not our Offences and Hear My Prayer. Joyous if somewhat undisciplined performances of Gibbons’s Hosanna to the Son of David and O Clap Your Hands conclude the programme. Nicholas Rast
Byrd/Purcell/Gibbons
Sadly, I found this debut disc from the Chapel Royal Choir, singing repertoire by three former Masters of Music, a little disappointing. Their robust version of Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices has several rough edges; although such raw vigour does emphasise the score’s vivid word-painting. The ‘Crucifixus’ and ‘Et resurrexit’ in the Credo are especially striking.
Our rating
2
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm