"Ave Rex Angelorum: Carols and Music Tracing the Journey from Christ the King to Epiphany" by the Choir of Keble College, Oxford, is a captivating choral album released on 4 September 2020 under CRD Records. This collection of 20 tracks, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, offers a rich exploration of sacred music, guiding listeners through the liturgical season from Christ the King to Epiphany.
Under the direction of Matthew Martin, the Choir of Keble College, Oxford, delivers a stunning performance accompanied by organists Jeremy Filsell and Benjamin Mills. The album features a blend of traditional carols and lesser-known pieces, showcasing the choir's exceptional skill and versatility. Highlights include arrangements by notable composers such as Martin Baker, Matthew Martin, Paul Plummer, Stephen Cleobury, and Edward Higginbottom.
The album opens with "Christus vincit," a powerful plainchant arrangement by Martin Baker, and concludes with "Ave Rex angelorum," a beautiful piece that ties the entire journey together. Other standout tracks include "Nova, nova!", "O Oriens," "The Cherry Tree Carol," and "O magnum mysterium," each offering a unique perspective on the sacred narrative.
"Ave Rex Angelorum" is not just a collection of songs but a carefully curated journey through the liturgical calendar, offering a deep dive into the rich tradition of choral music. The Choir of Keble College, Oxford, brings a sense of reverence and artistry to each piece, making this album a must-listen for choral enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the sacred music of the season.
(C) 2020 CRD Records(P) 2020 CRD Records
Tracks
Christus vincit - Arr. Martin BakerTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
Ave maris stella - Arr. Matthew MartinTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Benjamin Mills, Matthew Martin
Nova, nova!Grayston Ives, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
A Hymn of St. ColumbaBenjamin Britten, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
O OriensMatthew Martin, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell
Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending (Arr. by Paul Plummer)Traditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungenHugo Distler, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
Gloria Mass IX - Arr. Matthew MartinTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Benjamin Mills, Matthew Martin
Nowell Sing WeMatthew Martin, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell
The Cherry Tree Carol - Arr. Stephen CleoburyTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
Of the Father's Heart BegottenTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Matthew Martin
Lullaby BabyRichard Rodney Bennett, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Matthew Martin
I Wonder as I WanderCarl Rütti, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
I Saw Three Ships - Arr. Simon PrestonTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
Rocking - Arr. Edward HigginbottomTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Matthew Martin
Look Up, Sweet BabeLennox Berkeley, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Benjamin Mills, Matthew Martin
Unto Us Is Born a SonTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
Vidimus stellamTraditional, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Matthew Martin
O magnum mysteriumMatthew Martin, Choir of Keble College, Oxford
Ave Rex angelorumJohn Tavener, Choir of Keble College, Oxford, Jeremy Filsell, Matthew Martin
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