Howells: Collegium Regale & Other Choral Works

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English choral music with Herbert Howells' "Howells: Collegium Regale & Other Choral Works." This captivating album, released on April 1, 2016, under the Hyperion label, showcases the profound talents of the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under the direction of Stephen Layton. The album features the complete Collegium Regale service, a monumental work born out of a wartime bet that significantly influenced the trajectory of Anglican church music.

Comprising 15 tracks, the album spans a duration of 1 hour and 1 minute, offering a blend of sacred and secular choral works that highlight Howells' unique compositional style. The album opens with the stirring "Te Deum" from the Collegium Regale service and includes other notable pieces such as "Jubilate," "Magnificat," and "Nunc dimittis." Beyond the Collegium Regale service, the album also features beautiful settings of psalms, such as "Psalm 122" and "Psalm 121," and the evocative "I Love All Beauteous Things."

Herbert Howells' music is deeply rooted in the great English choral tradition, yet it is distinguished by its Impressionist harmonies and lyrical melodies. The Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, brings a sense of reverence and precision to these works, making this album a quintessential collection of Howells' choral masterpieces. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and spiritually uplifting experience.