English Choral Music: Finzi
Director of Music:
Christopher RobinsonOrgan Scholar:
Christopher WhittonRelease date:
October 2002Record label:
NaxosCatalogue number:
8.555792Awards:
Editor's Choice
Gramophone
December 2002
Track list
- God is gone up, Op. 27, No. 2
- Magnificat, Op. 36
- My lovely one, Op. 27, No. 1
- Welcome sweet and sacred feast, Op. 27, No. 3
- Thou didst delight my eyes, Op. 32
- Let us now praise famous men, Op. 35
- I praise the tender flower: Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs, Op. 17 (set to poems by Robert Bridges)
- I have loved the flowers that fade: Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs, Op. 17 (set to poems by Robert Bridges)
- My spirit sang all day: Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs, Op. 17 (set to poems by Robert Bridges)
- Clear and gentle stream: Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs, Op. 17 (set to poems by Robert Bridges)
- Nightingales: Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs, Op. 17 (set to poems by Robert Bridges)
- Haste on, my joys! Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs, Op. 17 (set to poems by Robert Bridges)
- Wherefore tonight so full of care: Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs, Op. 17 (set to poems by Robert Bridges)
- Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice, Op. 26
Reviews
St. John's Choir has enjoyed a renaissance under its music director Christopher Robinson and received a major boost with its major contract with Naxos, something guaranteed to raise its profile in the farthest corner of the world
Editor's Choice. James Jolly, Gramophone (December 2002)
Finzi's feeling for literature and the dark side of life are both vividly evoked in this anthology of religious and secular works, immaculately performed by the choir of St John's, Cambridge, under Christopher Robinson
Anthony Holden, The Observer
The singing on this disc is very fine–of course, this is a choir that you can count on to have such repertoire down cold–and it’s always impressive to hear trebles sing with such solidity of tone and brilliant, never harsh, high notes, perfectly blended and balanced with the lower voices
David Vernier, Classics Today
The performances are excellent, beautifully tuned and blended, well varied in colour and dynamics, with the text clearly projected
Anthony Burton, BBC Music Magazine (January 2003)
Freshly and warmly sung by the choir of St John’s College, Cambridge, under their choirmaster, Christopher Robinson
Penguin Guide (January 2009)
Christopher Robinson's fine St John's choristers sing with sure skill and sensitivity. They boast a somewhat more full-bodied characteristic sound than many of their counterparts. Their alto section, sounding as if it contains a couple of good countertenors, is particularly rich and full. Sound is excellent, as are notes and texts
American Record Guide (June 2003)
The melodies are pleasing, the harmonies are lovely, the sonics are excellent, and the overall result is a warmly satisfying program of more than an hour's worth of seldom-recorded music that would be a welcome addition to the CD library of anyone who enjoys choral music
Sensible Sound (May 2003)
The singing here is impeccable and stylish. The recorded sound is all one could ask. Another triumph for St. John's, Cambridge, its conductor, Christopher Robinson, and for Naxos. A hearty recommendation
Scott Morrison, Amazon.com
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The commitment, projection and natural energy of this choir have never failed to inspire me
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