James Whitbourn: The Seven Heavens and other choral works
The major work here is the suite The Seven Heavens, for choir and chamber ensemble; also we have seven other marvellous choral pieces.. All are brilliantly performed by Cor Cantiamo, the accomplished and acclaimed professional ensemble which is the current Choir in Residence at Northern Illinois University, USA, under its founder and conductor Eric A Johnson. Since its inaugural concert with Morten Lauridsen in 2010, Cor Cantiamo has developed a mission to work with contemporary composers resulting in many commissions and recordings.
James Whitbourn is a Grammy-nominated composer and ‘a truly original communicator in modern British choral music’ (The Observer). His works are admired for their direct communication to performers and audiences. This is the seventh album devoted entirely to his choral music. His eclectic inspirations include C.S. Lewis (The Seven Heavens), Anne Frank (the very popular Annelies), notable individuals, NASA space missions and liturgical texts. In all, his music is altogether delightful.
Instrumentalists for each work:
The Seven Heavens:Mathias Tacke, violin; Jesse Ya-chen Lee, cello; Evan Fojtik, flute; Devin Starr, clarinet;
Gwyn Downy, bassoon; Kelly Langenberg, French horn; William Goldenberg, piano
Ada: Mathias Tacke, violin; Faye Seeman, harp
The Voices Stilled: Mathias Tacke and Casey McGrath, violins; Donghee Han, viola; Jesse Ya-Chen Lee, cello; Evan Fojtik, flute
Eternal Rest: Mathias Tacke and Casey McGrath, violins; Donghee Han, viola; Jesse Ya-Chen Lee, cello;
Henry Robbins, double bass; Kyle Flens, timpani
Canticle of Mary/Canticle of Simeon: Donghee Han, viola; Dan Mattix, organ
(other works are for unaccompanied choir).
Track Listing
-
James Whitbourn (b.1963):
- The Seven Heavens - I. The Moon (4:52)
- The Seven Heavens - II. Mars (4:32)
- The Seven Heavens - III. Mercury (4:21)
- The Seven Heavens - IV. Jupiter (2:56)
- The Seven Heavens - V. Venus (4:48)
- The Seven Heavens - VI. Saturn (5:21)
- The Seven Heavens - VII. The Sun (5:20)
- Ada (6:15)
- Video caelos apertos (4:18)
- The Voices Stilled (5:45)
- Eternal Rest (4:19)
- Gratias agimus tibi (2:11)
- Canticle of Mary (6:28)
- Canticle of Simeon (4:04)
Reviews
“Imaginative…attractive… deeply moving. The performances could hardly be improved upon. Diction is clear, the choral sound is very well blended, and the music-making is both musically and dramatically satisfying. In sum, this release is one of the most enjoyable collections of new choral music that I have encountered in quite some time.
” —Henry Fogel
“From one piece to another, the language surprises with its variety, even if it remains suggestive, accessible, consonant, generous. James Whitbourn knows how to communicate. remarkably interpreted… speaks to the heart and will conquer you.
” —Christophe Steyne
“I have admired James Whitbourn, I have admired Cor Cantiamo, and I really admire how they’ve have come together in this program. The composer’s personable notes and the inclusion of texts clinch the deal on an interesting and rewarding release.
” —Philip Greenfield
“This is a big programme of music to take in, the works themselves ambitious, with a big sound and big ideas. Mr Whitbourn is used writing music that needs to be both quickly absorbed and emotional or even inspiring. The album will please singers, as well as those who love the sound of a good choir.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“Music making of a particularly high order. This CD provides a useful overview of James Whitbourn’s choral output… , these eminently practical works demonstrate a thoroughly accessible musical style. The quality of this disc is further enhanced by first rate performances and recording.
” —Alistair Macdonald
“Beautiful and restrained choral works. As well as the inspiring title work, the album also includes seven pieces for choir, all brilliantly performed by Cor Cantiamo.
” —John Pitt
“Approachable, enjoyable and satisfying from first note to the last. There is much beauty in these pages. The listener will be inspired and moved. The performance by Cor Cantiamo is superb in every way.
” —John France
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