Experience the profound and stirring "St. John Passion" by Bob Chilcott, a masterful choral work that brings to life the timeless story of the Passion of Christ. Released in 2015 under the Signum Records label, this album features the esteemed Wells Cathedral Choir, conducted by Matthew Owens, with Jonathan Vaughn at the helm of the orchestra. Spanning 17 tracks and a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a powerful retelling of the Passiontide story, blending elements from the 13th and 17th centuries to create a contemporary yet classical setting.
The album is divided into three parts, each offering a unique perspective on the narrative. From the solemnity of "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle" to the reflective "Drop, Drop Slow Tears," and the poignant "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," Chilcott's compositions are both dramatic and optimistic. The inclusion of hymns such as "It Is A Thing Most Wonderful" and "There is a Green Hill Far Away" adds a layer of familiarity and depth, making the listening experience both engaging and spiritually enriching.
Bob Chilcott's "St. John Passion" is not just a collection of songs but a deeply moving musical journey that captures the essence of the Passion narrative. The blend of traditional and modern elements, coupled with the exceptional performances by the Wells Cathedral Choir and orchestra, makes this album a standout in the choral genre. Whether you are a fan of classical choral music or seeking a meaningful listening experience, this album is sure to resonate with you.
(C) 2015 Signum Records
Tracks
St. John Passion, Part I: Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious BattleBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Nick Baron, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: The GardenBob Chilcott, Ed Lyon, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Hymn: It Is A Thing Most WonderfulBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Peter’s DenialBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Miserere, My MakerBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part I: Hymn - Drop, Drop Slow TearsBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: The Judgement Hall (I)Bob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: Hymn - Jesu, Grant Me This, I PrayBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Jonathan Vaughn, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: Christ, My BelovedBob Chilcott, Wells Cathedral Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: The Judgement Hall (II)Bob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part II: Away Vain WorldBob Chilcott, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens, Jonathan Vaughn
St. John Passion, Part III: Jesus is CrucifiedBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: Hymn: There is a Green Hill Far AwayBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: The CrucifixionBob Chilcott, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: Jesus, My LemanBob Chilcott, Wells Cathedral Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: Jesus Dies on the CrossBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Ed Lyon, Neal Davies, Matthew Souter, Richard May, Matthew Owens
St. John Passion, Part III: When I Survey the Wondrous CrossBob Chilcott, Chaconne Brass, Wells Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Laurie Ashworth, Ed Lyon, Darren Jeffrey, Neal Davies, Nick Baron, Jonathan Vaughn, Matthew Owens
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