Joubert: Song Cycles and Chamber Music

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of John Joubert's "Joubert: Song Cycles and Chamber Music," a choral masterpiece released on January 1, 2000, under the Toccata Classics label. This exquisite collection spans a rich 76 minutes, offering a diverse array of compositions that showcase Joubert's remarkable talent and versatility.

The album opens with "The Hour Hand, Op. 101," a four-movement suite that evokes the passage of time and the changing seasons, from the steady march of "The Hour Hand" to the serene beauty of "Winter Sun" and the tranquil "Low Tide." The suite concludes with "Horizontal Beams," a piece that bathes the listener in a warm, luminous glow.

Next, the album transports you to the rolling landscapes of England with "Shropshire Hills, Op. 155." This three-movement work captures the essence of the countryside, from the expansive vistas of "Shropshire Hills" to the delicate blossoms of "Early Spring in the Marches" and the mysterious depths of "Clun Forest."

The album also features the hauntingly beautiful "Kontakion, Op. 69," a choral work that resonates with a sense of ancient ritual, and the evocative "Improvisation, Op. 120," a piece that unfolds like a musical daydream.

Joubert's settings of Emily Bronte's poetry, "6 poems by Emily Bronte, Op. 63," are a highlight of the album. Each of the six poems is brought to life with exquisite sensitivity, from the ethereal "Harp" to the stormy "Storm" and the poignant "Immortality."

The album concludes with "The Rose Is Shaken in the Wind, Op. 137," a four-movement suite that explores themes of love, loss, and renewal. The title track is a particularly haunting piece, with its delicate, swaying melody and evocative harmonies.

Throughout the album, Joubert's compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and vivid imagery. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Joubert: Song Cycles and Chamber Music" is sure to captivate and inspire.