Rubbra: Mass In Honour Of St Teresa Of Avila; Missa a3; 5 Motets; 5 Madrigals

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and spiritual world of Edmund Rubbra's choral masterpieces with this comprehensive collection. Released in 2000, this album showcases Rubbra's deep musical insight and his ability to blend sacred and secular themes seamlessly. The centerpiece of this collection is the "Mass in Honour of St Teresa of Avila," a work that was one of Rubbra's final major choral compositions, completed in 1981. This piece alone is a testament to his mastery of choral writing, offering a serene and contemplative journey through the sacred texts.

The album also features the "Missa a3," a stunning setting of the Mass ordinary that highlights Rubbra's skill in creating intricate and harmonically rich choral textures. Alongside these larger works, the album includes a selection of five motets and five madrigals, each demonstrating Rubbra's versatility and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. The motets, with their sacred texts, provide a sense of tranquility and reverence, while the madrigals, with their more secular themes, offer a glimpse into Rubbra's ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity.

Performances on this album are brought to life by the talented ensemble Voces Sacrae, under the direction of Judy Martin. Their precise and expressive singing brings out the best in Rubbra's compositions, making this album a essential addition to any classical music lover's collection. With a duration of just over an hour, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the depth and breadth of Edmund Rubbra's choral works.

1 januari 2000

℗ 2000 ASV Ltd.

About Edmund Rubbra

Charles Edmund Rubbra, born in Northampton in 1901, was a distinguished British composer whose works spanned a wide range of genres, though he is perhaps best known for his eleven symphonies. Rubbra's music, which reached its zenith of popularity in the mid-20th century, is characterised by its dramatic intensity and improvisatory spirit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rubbra never embraced the dodecaphonic style, instead forging his own unique compositional path. His extensive catalogue includes notable works such as the Viola Concerto in A Major, Op. 75, and his Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 85. Despite a decline in public recognition in recent decades, Rubbra's compositions continue to captivate those who seek out his music, offering a rich and emotive experience that stands the test of time.