Tenebrae
Nigel Short Director
Release date: 14/10/2022
Catalogue number: SIGCD690
Barcode:635212069028
“The groups faultless vocal blend under Nigel Short is a given: the brightness of the voices is brought out in the traditional Angelus ad virginem, while Edward W Naylor’s Vox dicentis allows them off the leash in some thrilling vocal declamation” – Gramophone
“I love the blend of established and new pieces into a wonderfully satisfying programme. One would expect Nigel Short and Tenebrae to perform this music superbly and expectations are more than met. They’ve been recorded most sympathetically in a lovely acoustic…This is a Christmas disc to savour” – Musicweb International
“This Christmas album from Tenebrae—their fourth foray into this richest of seams of repertoire—has at its heart Benjamin Britten’s sublime Ceremony of Carols. Either side we are treated to a blistering rendition of Edward Naylor’s Vox dicentis and other favourites, and welcome room has also been found for some gorgeous ‘new finds’: works like Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s Advent ‘O’ Carol, a sublime blend of catchy and comforting, weaving simplicity into something so much more” – Hyperion
“The choral singing incredibly refined and captured in a glowing church acoustic…There’s a pleasing selection of old and new here, numbers by Howells and Vaughan Williams sharing space with the likes of Sally Beamish, Bob Chilcott and Joseph Phibbs, whose “Sleep My Pretty One, Sleep” provides a sublime close…[Ceremony of Carols] Soprano Victoria Meteyard is glorious in “Balulalow”, making this my new favourite recording of the work” – The Arts Desk
10/10 “All sung to the very highest standard and with a crystal-clear recording at All Hallows’ Church at Gospel Oak in London under producer Adrian Peacock…all the singers are outstanding, and the vocal blend is exquisite” – Cross Rhythms
“The pieces included in this recording are of great aesthetic height and exceptional beauty…[Nigel Short] has done an exceptional job with the musicians in his choir, accompanied by Camilla Pay’s harp” – Sonograma
“This is a disc well worth adding to your collections of Christmas music” – Organists’ Review
[1] The Shepherd’s Carol – Bob Chilcott
[2] In Winter’s House – Joanna Marsh
[3] Angelus ad virginem – Traditional
[4] The Truth from Above – R. Vaughan Williams
[5] Advent ‘O’ Carol – J. Forbes L’Estrange
[6] O magnum mysterium – Owain Park
[7] Vox dicentis: Clama – E.Woodall Naylor
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28 Benjamin Britten
[8] I. Procession
[9] II. Wolcum Yole!
[10] III. There is no rose
[11] IVa. That yongë child
[12] IVb. Balulalow
[13] V. As dew in Aprille
[14] VI. This little babe
[15] VII. Interlude
[16] VIII. In freezing winter night
[17] IX. Spring Carol
[18] X. Deo gracias
[19] XI. Recession
[20] In the stillness – Sally Beamish
[21] Jesus Christ the Apple Tree – Elizabeth Poston
[22] The Quiet Heart – June Collin
[23] Sing Lullabye – Herbert Howells
[24] The Aldeburgh Carol – Ben Parry
[25] Sleep My Pretty One, Sleep – Joseph Phibbs
