"Music for Royal Occasions" by The Choir of Westminster Abbey is a captivating choral album released in 2010 under Griffin Records. This collection of 16 tracks offers a rich tapestry of sacred and patriotic music, each piece meticulously performed by the renowned Westminster Abbey Choir, accompanied by the London Brass and organists Martin Baker and Iain Simcock. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, featuring a blend of traditional hymns and anthems that have been integral to royal ceremonies and national celebrations.
The album opens with Gustav Holst's "I Vow to Thee My Country," a stirring patriotic hymn, and includes other notable works such as "Love Divine," "Wash Me Throughly," and "Give Rest, O Christ." It also features the Welsh National Anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau," and the investiture anthem "Rhapsody for a Prince," showcasing the choir's versatility and the cultural richness of the selections. The album concludes with "Eventide: Abide with Me," a poignant and reflective piece that encapsulates the spiritual depth of the collection.
Recorded in the acoustically splendid Woolsey Hall, this album captures the grandeur and solemnity of the music performed at royal occasions, making it a timeless addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. The Choir of Westminster Abbey, under the direction of Martin Neary, delivers a performance that is both technically impeccable and deeply moving, highlighting their status as one of the world's premier choirs. Whether you are a fan of choral music or simply appreciate the beauty of sacred and national hymns, "Music for Royal Occasions" offers a memorable listening experience.
2010 Griffin Records2010 Griffin Records
Tracks
I vow to thee my countryGustav Holst, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Martin Baker (organ), London Brass, Martin Neary
Love Divinetrad Blaenwern, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, London Brass, Martin Baker (organ), Martin Neary
Wash me throughlySamuel Sebastian Wesley, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Martin Neary, London Brass, Ian Simcock (organ)
Lord, for Thy tender mercy`s sakeJohn Hilton, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, London Brass, Ian Simcock (organ), Martin Neary
Give rest, O Christtrad kontakion, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Martin Neary, London Brass, Martin Baker (organ)
O God, our help in ages pastWilliam Croft, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Martin Neary, Martin Baker (organ), London Brass
I will lift up mine eyeWilliam McKie, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Martin Neary, London Brass, Ian Simcock (organ)
Welsh National Anthem: Hen wlad fy nhadauTrad, Llandaff Cathedral Choir, Michael Hoeg (organ/piano), Michael A. Smith, Welsh National Opera Brass
Investiture Anniversary FanfareWilliam Mathias, Llandaff Cathedral Choir, Michael Hoeg (organ/piano), Michael A. Smith, Welsh National Opera Brass
Rhapsody for a PrinceMansel Thomas, Llandaff Cathedral Choir, Michael A. Smith, Michael Hoeg (organ/piano), Welsh National Opera Brass
Hail the day that sees Him rise: Gwyn a Dwridog, Hawddgar IawnTrad, Llandaff Cathedral Choir, Welsh National Opera Brass, Michael Hoeg (organ/piano), Michael A. Smith
Fanfare: ArrivalDavid Wynne, Llandaff Cathedral Choir, Michael A. Smith, Michael Hoeg (organ/piano), Welsh National Opera Brass
God Bless the Prince of WalesRichards, Llandaff Cathedral Choir, Welsh National Opera Brass, Michael Hoeg (organ/piano), Michael A. Smith
Set me as a sealWilliam Walton, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Ian Simcock (organ), Martin Neary, London Brass
Make me a channel of Your PeaceTemple arr Martin Neary, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Martin Neary, Martin Baker (organ), London Brass
Eventide: Abide with meTrad, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Martin Baker (organ), Martin Neary, London Brass
Vinylscout