This Christmas Night: Worcester College, Oxford, Choir; Stephen Farr
RES 10113 75.59
In a world full of the conventional Christmas recording this comes as a breath of fresh air.
Details to follow
Jacques-Francois Gallay; works for natural horn
Anneke Scott, natural horn
RES 10114 72.39
This really is a rarity. A whole CD of solo works for natural horn – and one which is surprisingly easy to listen to. If the range is naturally limited, the musical invention is not and is well worth the investment of time to get to know these rare compositions.
Baroque Chamber Works
Fantasticus
RES 10112 66.38
A pleasant collection of works, ranging from Stradella to Buxtehude, played by Rie Kimura, baroque violin, Robert Smith Viola da gamba/baroque cello and Guillermo Brachetta, harpsichord. The works all originate from the late 17th century stylus fantasticus
In the Dark
Platinum Consort; Scott Inglis-Kidger
RES 10110 58.04
All of the music on this CD is drawn from the Tenebrae tradition of scores written specifically for the last three days of Holy Week. Works range across national boundaries to include Anerio, Lotti, Victoria Lassus and Purcell. It also includes a recent works by Richard Bates and James Macmillan. Bates’ In the Dark is a gentle setting of an Easter verse by the Elizabeth poet George Gascoigne, while his Tenebrae follow the Latin text. The concluding Miserere by Macmillan is both moving and devotional.
The vocal balance is striking throughout. Though the ensemble includes two counter-tenors which give a suitably early music feel to the recording, the addition of two soprano voices adds an unexpected richness and warmth.
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