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The addition of a brass ensemble to Christmas concerts and carol services, combining with the more traditional sounds of choir and organ, has become increasingly popular in recent years. This recording brings together a number of works for the specific forces of choir, brass quintet, organ and percussion, some of which have been arranged specially for this release. Interspersed amongst these works are a selection of popular Christmas carols which have formed and integral part of Winchester College Chapel Choir’s core repertoire for many years. Winchester College was founded by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, in 1382, and Winchester College Quiristers have for over 625 years sung services in Winchester College Chapel. In modem times they have formed a choir renowned for its excellence. Having celebrated its 25th anniversary in the 2017-18 season, Onyx Brass continues to be the leading light in establishing the brass quintet as a medium for serious chamber music, inspired by the pioneering early years of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. To this end, the group has commissioned and performed the world premières of over 200 new works, with many more in the pipeline for performance and recording. All downloads include booklets. -
Armonico Consort return to Signum with a collection of Handel arias, performed by leading counter-tenor William Towers. A noted soloist in both opera and oratorio, the programme is taken from roles which Towers has sung across his career in various productions across the globe. Towers writes: “It is the life-affirming, live-giving aspect of Handel that I’m aiming to celebrate. So frequently his operas reveal their most devastatingly beautiful and uplifting music when life is at its darkest. Here the arias shine brightest, here we find Radamisto’s ‘Ombra cara’ and the boundlessly optimistic ‘Dopo l’orrore’, looking out beyond the darkest clouds to the faint glimmer of a dawning hope. This is the uncrushable, indomitable spirit that lies in all of us ... We just need to take the time to listen.” -
Julian Bliss and James Baillieu present a recording Johannes Brahms’ Clarinet sonatas, Op. 120 and an arrangement of his 4 Ernste Gesänge, Op.121 arranged by Bliss. These late works were inspired by the great clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld, principal clarinet of the Meiningen Court Orchestra, without whom we would not have had this clarinet repertoire. Julian Bliss is one of the world’s finest clarinettists, excelling as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist, masterclass leader and tireless musical explorer. He has inspired a generation of young players as creator of his Conn-Selmer range of affordable clarinets, and introduced a substantial new audience to his instrument. Julian started playing the clarinet aged four, going on to study at the University of Indiana and in Germany under Sabine Meyer, turning professional aged twelve. Described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘in a class of his own’ James Baillieu is one of the leading song and chamber music pianists of his generation. He has given solo and chamber recitals throughout the world and collaborates with a wide range of world-class singers and instrumentalists. As a soloist, he has appeared with the Ulster Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, and the Wiener Kammersymphonie. -
Signum proudly presents Lapwood’s debut solo organ recording following her critically-acclaimed debut choral recording, All things are quite silent, with The Choirs of Pembroke College, Cambridge. This luxurious programme, including some of Lapwood’s world-premiere arrangements, showcases the softer, more subtle side of an instrument more generally regarded for its bombastic nature. “One of my favourite things about being an organist is the exquisite feeling of practising in a church or cathedral late at night. The door is locked, the lights are often out, and time seems to flow differently. It’s at night that one really gains a sense of the history of the building, getting to know the creaking noises and clicks that make it seem as if the space is breathing. Sound seems to travel differently too, piercing the warm cushion of dark silence like a beam of light. On this disc I’ve tried to capture some of that magic, recording in a chilly Ely Cathedral after hours in January 2021.” Anna Lapwood Anna Lapwood is an organist, conductor, and broadcaster, and holds the position of Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Lapwood recently presented the 2020 BBC Young Musician of the Year competition and is due to perfom at the BBC Proms on 7th September 2021 as well as presenting part of the Proms on BBC TV. ★★★★★ "Rising star Anna Lapwood's debut solo recital confirms the hype surrounding this impressive young musician. Her impeccably crafted programme is designed to emphasise the "subtle beauty" of Ely Cathedral's Harrison and Harrison's softer qualities…Pieces by Patrick Gowers, Kerensa Briggs and Cheryl Frances-Hoad boost their own attractions in an atmospheric recording backed by Lapwood's fine booklet notes" - Choir and Organ Magazine "The idea of a voluntary… is gentler than one might expect: but there is also swirling virtuosity here in Lapwood's superb performance…A wonderful disc" - Classical Explorer★★★★ Performance, ★★★★ Recording "This debut solo album brilliantly played by the rising young organist Anna Lapwood should certainly engage organ aficionados, especially fans of the grand Harrison & Harrison instrument in Ely Cathedral" - BBC Music Magazine
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Their fourth release on Signum Classics, the “engaging” (New Yorker) men’s vocal ensemble Cantus present a collection of songs conveying the connectedness and isolation created through the use of technology both during and beyond the Covid pandemic, and the mental health impact on society as a result. “Alone Together has taken on a whole new context and meaning since March 2020. This album is a journey that reflects upon isolation and connectedness in our world. We hope that you find moments for beauty and introspection, both familiar and new” Booklet Texts -
In a historical moment filled with tension and polarizing divide, this beautifully woven-together program of American music tells a story of human interconnectedness that resonates beyond any national borders. "Highly Recommended" - Gramophone “The Calidore String Quartet play like disembodied angels ... their performance of the Korngold quartet is especially uplifting, and barely American. Or belonging to a better America, past and possibly future.” - La Scena Musicale “If there’s anything the U.S. needs in 2026, it’s a recovery of Lincolnesque values—resolve, common sense, understanding, and charity." - Artfuse “a transversal and ambitious reading of the American string quartet repertoire” - Sonograma "The Calidore have said that part of their intention when assembling this album was, exactly as its title states, to demonstrate the rich tapestry of American music as a melting pot of genres, voices, and inspirations. This wonderful recording achieves precisely that." - Presto Music -
The King's Singers mark Valentine's Day with a collection featuring some of the world's finest love songs – from classics of the Great American songbook including the Gershwins' 'Love is Here To Stay' and Kern's 'I Won't Dance' through to recent hits such as John Legend's 'All of Me' and Randy Newman's 'When She Loved Me'. Performance ★★★★ Recording ★★★★ Richard Rodney Bennett's exquisite arrangement of Gershwin's 'Love is Here to Stay' stands out... beautifully performed and with an appealing blend of popular hits and more unusual fare, this disc makes for an uplifting listen - BBC Music Magazine -
Above the opening notes of The Protecting Veil, John Tavener wrote Transcendent With Awesome Majesty, communicating the scale of this universal, timeless, structurally perfect and emotionally powerful work. In the composer’s words, “the cello represents The Mother of God and never stops singing.” Indeed, the cello sings without stopping for the entire 46 minutes of the piece, requiring huge mental and physical stamina. Matthew Barley leads Sinfonietta Rīga in this exploration of Tavener’s musical works and inspirations, interspersing performances with readings of WB Yeats and Frithjof Schuon by renowned actors Julie Christieand Olwyn Fouéré. The influence Tavener drew from Indian music in The Protecting Veil is also explored further in Barley’s performance with tabla player Sukhvinder ‘Pinky’ Singh in The Song of Separation and Waiting by Pandit Sultan Khan. Matthew Barley is known internationally as a cellist, improviser, arranger, music animateur, and as Artistic Director of Between The Notes. His musical world is focused on projects that connect people in different ways, blurring the boundaries that never really existed between genres and people. Editors Choice "The opening poetry sets the tone - intimate, achingly personal - that pervades Matthew Barley's beautiful recording of one of the later 20th century's most beloved and moving works…I recommend this utterly beautiful and originally framed version unreservedly" - Gramophone "[Barley] creating a mesmeric and nicely moving performance…Hi splaying in the Nativity and Dormition movements is especially tender, and his gentle swoops down the instrument are exquisite…[Sinfonietta Riga] creates just the right luminous, warmly resonant sound for this work, aided by a rick and detailed recorded sound" - The Strad "I suspect those who come across the work for the first time via this latest release, will not find another performance out there which would give them quite the same feeling of intensity and spiritual uplift. Add to that Barley's own remarkably insightful booklet notes and a ravishing recording from Signum Classics, and you have something very special indeed" - Musicweb International "Barley captures the intimacy and emotion of the music. Add in fine engineering work from Signum…you have a superior Tavener release" - AllMusic.com "Matthew Barley puts in such a commenable performance whole simultaneously directing the excellent Sinfonietta Riga makes this recording particularly noteworthy" - Cross Rhythms -
English composer Will Todd is well known for his beautiful and exciting music. His work encompasses choral works large and small, opera, musical theatre and orchestral pieces, as well as jazz compositions and chamber works. His anthem, The Call of Wisdom, was performed at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a TV audience of 45 million people. His breakthrough work, Mass in Blue (originally titled Jazz Mass), has been performed hundreds of times all over the world. His arrangement of Amazing Grace was performed at President Obama’s Inauguration Day prayer service in 2013 and as part of the BBC’s Nelson Mandela Thanksgiving Service. This CD celebrates the work of the Bach Choir’s amazing outreach project with local schools, which culminated in 2016 with the new commission Lights, Stories, Noise, Dreams, Love and Noodles with words celebrated poet Michael Rosen. Other works on the disc include Will Todd’s vibrant settings of Shakespeare for choir and orchestra Songs of Magical Creatures, and a work in memory of Mark Blanco Kites, Cards and Constellations. All downloads include booklets. -
Voce Chamber Choir’s new disc is a moving tribute to Sir John Tavener, featuring a selection of works by him (many of which are previously unrecorded) and by Roxanna Panufnik. At the heart of the disc is the premiere recording of Panufnik’s 99 Words to my Darling Children, a moving setting of Tavener’s last message to his family. As well as the Voce Chamber Choir, the disc features performances from cellist Matthew Barley, organist James Sherlock and narration from Simon Russell Beale. ★★★★★ Voce Chamber Choir offer a well-balanced sound with a polished sheen to their singing. An unusual and most welcome disc - Choir and Organ The result – a lullaby that cradles its sung text with infinite tenderness – is exquisite, and beautifully handled… a strong, and very welcome, first outing - Gramophone It’s a really lovely programme… lovely moment of connection between the two, a lovely homage - BBC Radio 3 -
Composer Paul Reade died 25 years ago and this year marks his 80th birthday. He was well-known for his music for television such as Play School, Antiques Road Show and The Victorian Kitchen Garden series but less familiar are the wonderful works on this beautifully compiled album. The evocative Flute Concerto and a new version of Victorian Kitchen Garden Suite arranged for flute are played by Philippa Davies with the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Robin O‘Neill. Decca artist Pumeza Matshikiza is the soloist in the orchestral song cycle Chants du Roussillon and the Song of the Birds. Laurence Perkins is the bassoonist in the last piece Paul ever wrote, Catalonia, a one movement bassoon concerto. Also included is the Serenata for wind sextet played by London Winds. Except for the Chants du Roussillon, these are all world premiere recordings. ★★★★★ "This celebration is long overdue...utterly gorgeous" - BBC Music Magazine "This souvenir of the Liverpudlian composer Paul Reade represents one of a generation after generation of melody-smiths... The disc spreads before us leading examples of his kindly lyricism. It’s music that is easily assimilated and easily enjoyed...Very engaging sound distinguishes this recording, as is the case throughout the CD" - Musicweb International -
The juxtaposition of old and new which lies at the heart of much Christmas music lends this recording by the mixed-voice Choir of The Queen’s College Oxford its theme. The repertoire ranges in period from Hildegard of Bingen to pieces composed during the last few years. The central work – Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols – vividly encapsulates the intersection of ancient and modern, setting medieval and Renaissance texts, and drawing on plainchant as musical inspiration, while – in its series of fresh, vivid, and sharply-etched miniatures – eschewing the sentimentality which had become attached to Christmas and its music. Three centuries earlier, such combinations of old and new were just as apparent in the vast Christmas output of Michael Praetorius, the principal Lutheran composer of his age. Through works ranging from dramatic double-choir settings to the simplest harmonisations of chorales, this recording explores Praetorius as transmitter of older Christmas texts and and melodies. The links between Praetorius’s time and ours are represented in the pairing of Praetorius’s Es ist ein Ros entsprungen and David Blackwell’s exquisite reimagining of the same carol, Lo how a rose e’er blooming. An Advent chant forms the basis of Judith Weir’s haunting Look down ye heavens from above which opens the recording, while Cecilia McDowall’s Now may we singen perfectly captures the exuberance of its medieval text and Jonathan Dove’s The Three Kings evokes the strangeness of Dorothy L. Sayers’s transformation of the story of the Magi. All downloads include booklets -
"A Child's Dream" is a reflection of my personal journey in the music world, from some of the very first pieces I played as a child to significant milestones (like my concerto debut at age 9) sharing my exciting story with our listeners. This programme showcases the music that has been my lifelong companion, travelling with me across the globe but also some hidden gems by neglected composers throughout history, voices which deserve to be heard. - Alexandra Dariescu “a beautiful reminder that tops can be tails and ends hold beginnings.” - Gramophone “Absorbing, elegantly produced, engineered and annotated” - International Piano -
A leading light in the world of youth choral music, the Rodolfus Choir is made up of choristers from ages 16-25 who are past and present participants of the Eton Choral Courses, begun by the choir's director Ralph Allwood in 1980. This new Christmas programme mixes the familiar with works not usually heard in carol services – such as Tomas Luis de Victoria's stunning eight-part, two-choir Ave Maria (from an edition prepared by John Rutter), and more recent works such as Chris Chivers' Ecce Puer and Eric Whitacre's Lux Aurumque. Such a programme is well-suited to a choir with the versatility and enthusiasm of the Rodolfus choir. [The choir’s] discipline and diction throughout a testing programme is exemplary - The Daily Mail Beautifully sung - The Daily Telegraph The freshness of attack you get with younger voices is put to incisive use by conductor Ralph Allwood, whose Rodolfus singers are all products of the famous Eton choral courses - BBC Music MagazineThe sweet/sour harmonies of Warlock's Bethlehem Down are so deliciously balanced that it is difficult not to leap up from the fireside and press the backtrack button to hear this magical performance over and over again - International Record Review -
An album of newly recorded works for Christmas by rising star composer Kristina Arakelyan. This is the first recording by the Choir of King’s College London, conducted by Joseph Fort on Signum Records. “While preparing this album, I have been struck by many aspects of Kristina’s music, and have talked with her about it at length... She approaches the compositional task as an exercise in conveying this emotion and stirring it in her listeners, and I hope that this comes through in our performances” - Joseph Fort 9/10 - “Arakelyan's music is melodious, pays careful attention to the well-chosen texts she is setting, and rewards the careful listener.” - CrossRhythms "This is a breathtakingly good selection in which we hear the influence of modal chants and Armenian church traditions fused with an English choral blend" - Gramophone -
"A House of Ghosts is a sequence of a dozen short pieces concerned with the past, whether imagined, historical or (as in the case of the final piece) autobiographical. These movements are combined here with freestanding longer items, where sea music (Farewell to Hirta and Hunt's Bay) is mixed with explorations of elusive memory (Le Temps qui n'est plus and Drowned Summer). Gently distinctive in its harmonic and tonal language, this music is the work of a professional pianist-composer with a refined and subtle insight into the physical and textural properties of the instrument." - Duncan Honeybourne “Definitely worth exploring” - International Piano