Description
The latest addition to our ‘A Year at…’ series comes from Newcastle – England’s most northerly cathedral. This is the first recording of the re-vitalised Newcastle Cathedral Choir under their Director of Music, Ian Roberts, who was appointed in 2016, and has taken the choir to new heights.
Music is central to Newcastle Cathedral’s daily life of prayer, worship and witness, marking the church year and illuminating the Christian Story. This recording presents a flavour of the annual liturgical journey at Newcastle Cathedral, with music chosen to reflect the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Candlemas, and the observance of Lent, including the Feast of The Annunciation. We journey through Holy Week, the joy of Easter, and celebration of Pentecost; we mark Trinity Sunday, the Feast of Corpus Christi, the commemoration of All Souls, and conclude with the final Sunday of the year – the Feast of Christ the King. The repertoire for this recording is predominantly centred on the rich treasury of 20th century British music, along with some more recent compositions.
Download booklet
Track List
1
Benedictus Op 34, no 2 – Edward Elgar*
8:12
2
Magnificat from The Wells Service – William Drakett
5:13
3
Laetabundus exultet from Three Grace Anthems – Alan Gray†
2:04
4
Nunc dimittis from The Wells Service – William Drakett
2:49
5
Psalm 23 ‘The Bird’s Song’ from The Pilgrim’s Progress – Ralph Vaughan Williams*
2:37
6
Kyrie from Mass in G minor – Ralph Vaughan Williams
4:36
7
To the Queen of Heaven – Thomas F Dunhill*
2:49
8
Ubi caritas – Kris Thomsett†
3:24
9
Sing ye to the Lord – Edward Bairstow*
5:36
10
Rise up, my love – Healey Willan
1:52
11
Litany to the Holy Spirit – Ben Ponniah*
3:09
12
Sanctus from Three Grace Anthems – Alan Gray†
2:26
13
Lo, the full, final sacrifice – Gerald Finzi*
15:51
14
Justorum animae from Three Grace Anthems – Alan Gray†
2:29
15
Te deum (Collegium Regale) – Herbert Howells*
8:46
* with organ accompaniment played by Kris Thomsett
† first recording
Total Playing time: 71:55
Production credits
Recorded on 21–23 March 2023 in Newcastle Cathedral
Recording producer and engineer: Gary Cole.
Recording assistant: Pippa Cole
Reviews
‘On this evidence, the cathedral choir is in fine fettle, nicely balanced across the voices and with ample oomph under the bonnet when needed.’ ★★★★ BBC Music Magazine May 2024
‘Roberts shapes each of his choir’s contributions with light, shade, and rhythmic accuracy… A thoroughly enjoyable selection of repertoire and accomplished performances representing the highlights of a musical year at Newcastle Cathedral.’ Yorkshire Times February 2024
