Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of choral music with William Mathias' "Mathias: Choral Music," a captivating collection released on January 10, 2020, under the esteemed Naxos label. This album is a testament to Mathias' mastery of the choral genre, showcasing his ability to blend traditional and contemporary elements into a harmonious whole.
Spanning a diverse range of compositions, the album opens with the serene "A Babe Is Born, Op. 55," followed by the majestic "Jesus College Service, Op. 53," which includes both the "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis." The album then delves into the whimsical and enchanting "Learsongs," a series of arrangements for soprano, alto chorus, and piano duet that bring to life the playful and poignant verses of Edward Lear.
The second half of the album features a mix of sacred and secular works, including the hauntingly beautiful "Y nefoedd sydd yn datga gogoniant Duw," the reverent "Ave verum corpus," and the intriguing "Riddles" series. The album concludes with the uplifting "A May Magnificat, Op. 79 No. 2," leaving the audience with a sense of tranquility and awe.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a perfect companion for those seeking to explore the depth and breadth of choral music. William Mathias' compositions are performed with precision and passion, making this album a standout in the choral genre. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to choral music, "Mathias: Choral Music" offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
(C) 2020 Naxos(P) 2020 Naxos
Tracks
A Babe Is Born, Op. 55William Mathias, Hugh Crook, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Jesus College Service, Op. 53: No. 1, MagnificatWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Jesus College Service, Op. 53: No. 2, Nunc dimittisWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 1, Calico PieWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 2, The Owl and the PussycatWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 3, The Duck and the KangarooWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 4, Uncle ArlyWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 5, The Pelican ChorusWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Y nefoedd sydd yn datga gogoniant DuwWilliam Mathias, Hugh Crook, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Ave verum corpusWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Riddles: I. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: II. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: III. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: IV. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: V. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: VI. —Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: VII. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
A May Magnificat, Op. 79 No. 2William Mathias, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker