Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Renaissance choral music with "The Gate of Glory: Music from The Eton Choirbook Vol. 5" by Stephen Darlington. This captivating album, released on 17 November 2017 under AVIE Records, showcases the exquisite vocal prowess of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, under the expert direction of Stephen Darlington.
The album features a meticulously curated selection of sacred choral works from the Eton Choirbook, a renowned collection of late 15th and early 16th-century English polyphony. This fifth volume in the series includes compositions by Hugh Kellyk, John Browne, Robert Fayrfax, Walter Lambe, and Robert Hacomplaynt. Among these treasures is a world premiere recording of Walter Lambe's "Gaude flore virginali," adding a unique and historically significant dimension to the collection.
With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, the album offers an immersive journey through the intricate and harmonically rich compositions of the Renaissance era. Each track, from the jubilant "Gaude flore virginali a 7" to the solemn "Salve regina a 5," demonstrates the choir's exceptional skill and the profound beauty of the music.
Stephen Darlington's direction brings out the full expressive power of these works, making this album a must-listen for enthusiasts of choral music and a valuable addition to any classical music collection. Whether you are a seasoned listener or new to the genre, "The Gate of Glory: Music from The Eton Choirbook Vol. 5" promises a deeply rewarding and enriching experience.