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Rupert Gough and The Choir of Royal Holloway release a new single with soprano Laura Wright, raising awareness of mental health and encouraging people to seek support and donate to mental health charities if they feel able to. The track, written by composer Thomas Hewitt Jones and lyricist Matt Harvey, speaks of the loneliness and despair felt by many around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the musicians involved gave their services for free and hope that the song can be an anthem for kindness, bringing hope all around the world to those suffering with their mental health. Proceeds from the single will be donated to a number of UK-based mental health charities. The music video for Can You Hear Me? can be found HERE. -
In a new arrangement for solo harp, celebrated harpist Gwyneth Wentink presents Dutch composer Simeon ten Holt’s Canto Ostinato and Aforisme No. 2 (a transcription by Jeroen van Veen on behalf of Simeon ten Holt). “I first heard Canto Ostinato on piano in 2011 and I felt as if I was on fire. THIS is something I wanted to play on the harp: I clearly recall the zeal and enthusiasm I felt at the time. I was buzzing with curiosity, excitement and vitality. Exploring various musical genres, arranging music for the harp and working in interdisciplinary settings is something that has always been important to me. Playing the harp, one is being confronted with a rather restricted repertoire, and one almost evidently scans the horizon for what else one can arrange, commission and/or discover” – Gwyneth Wentink.★★★★ "Fans of 'Canto ostinato' will cheer at the arrangement by harpist Gwyneth Wentink. She cunningly highlights opposing voices and rhythms, as if Canto ostinato is simply rock-solid music." - De Volkskrant
"Canto Ostinato is one of the great works of minimalist music. At 48 minutes... I imagine the player needs to have very tough fingertips to play continuously for this length of time. In addition to the whole work, we are given on an extra track, a version of Section 74. It is exquisite." - MusicWeb International
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The National Youth Choir of Scotland is an outstanding choir for young people aged 16 to 25, directed by world-renowned conductor Christopher Bell. Membership is granted by yearly auditions to singers born, resident or studying in Scotland. In 2012 the choir was presented with the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Ensemble Award. Formed in 1891 as the Scottish Orchestra, the company became the Scottish National Orchestra in 1950, and was awarded Royal Patronage in 1977. The Orchestra’s artistic team is led by Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, who was appointed RSNO Music Director in October 2018, having previously held the position of Principal Guest Conductor. NYCOS and RSNO join forces to create an eclectic mix of recordings, performing some timeless classics, as well as exploring some contemporary repertoire. The excellent stadards of both ensembles makes for an exciting listen in what is NYCOS’ first recording with Signum. Booklets included with all downloads. -
Signum Records are pleased to welcome a new ensemble to the catalogue: The Elysian Singers perform choral works by composer James MacMillan. MacMillan characteristically draws inspiration for his vocal works from recurring themes such as the Catholic Church and Scottish traditional culture. The most substantial work on this recording is Cantos Sagrados ("Sacred Songs"). MacMillan takes the poems of Latin American poets Ariel Dorfman and Ana Maria Mendosa, and combines their settings of political repression with traditional religious texts to create a powerful combination of liberation theology. The result is at times delicate, and then terrifying. The composer’s intentions were to create a work both sacred and secular, being timeless yet contemporary. Of the other works on this disc, the majority are settings of Latin or English religious texts often written for particular occasions or places. A Child’s Prayer, for instance, was dedicated to the victims of the Dunblane tragedy of 1996, where one teacher and sixteen of her pupils were shot dead whilst in class. One of the two secular works on this recording, The Gallant Weaver is a setting of that most Scottish of poets, Robert Burns, to a nostalgic evocation of Celtic folk-music. The Elysian Singers were founded in 1986. Since 1999 they have been directed by Sam Laughton and have established a national reputation as a young and lively chamber choir, winning awards for commissioning new music.
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Each December, we find ourselves surrounded by winter’s darkness at the fulcrum between the old year and the new. In the shadowy stillness of these short, cold days, December is the darkroom that focuses our gaze squarely on the bright promise and growing light of the imminent new year. Into the Light was recorded in the dark, uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the process was imbued with optimism and hope for brighter days ahead. In its first holiday recording in more than a decade, chamber vocal ensemble Cantus offers a thoughtful selection of old and new favorites, each sung with the group’s trademark warmth and virtuosity. The album reflects Cantus’ commitment to diversity of repertoire. Its selections span five languages and feature works by a broad range of composers and arrangers: from John Jacob Niles and Kenneth Jennings, to Joni Mitchell and B.E. Boykin. The album also offers six pieces created specifically for Cantus, including two new arrangements from Reginald Bowens and Christopher H. Harris.
After two successful albums on Signum Records, the American vocal ensemble Cantus present their first christmas album, Into The Light. The “engaging” (New Yorker) low-voice ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. “Delightful…simply divine…veritably translucent…breathtaking… the alluringly elegant, adroitly layered, world premiere arrangement of Twas the Night Before Christmas.” - Exclusive Magazine ★★★★★ "For vocal aficionados, this is pleasure from start to finish" - BBC Music Magazine "This is 'precision singing' of the highest quality…well worth acquiring for some Christmas cheer" - Organists' Review -
Now in its 25 th Anniversary season, the “engaging” (New Yorker) men’s vocal ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The Washington Post has hailed the Cantus sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to the “spontaneous grace” of its music making. The Philadelphia Inquirer called the group nothing short of “exquisite.” In a world filled with increasingly superficial connection between individuals and communities, humanity is yearning like never before to find a real sense of meaning in their lives. Manifesto takes a nuanced look at identity and relationship — with our friends, lovers, family and the divine. In keeping with Cantus’ commitment to the creation of new music for tenors, baritones and basses, the preponderance of the works on Manifesto were written specifically for Cantus, and all works are world premiere recordings. CRITICS CHOICE "The members of Cantus consistently sing with an attractively smooth-edged sound and good intonation. This creatively programmed release provides a gratifying variety of expression as well as a welcome dose of spiritual uplift" - Opera News "★★★★ What energy Cantus brings to it. Once of the most compelling male voice ensembles around" - Choir and Organ"Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Psalm of the Soil explores the idea of home with searing harmonies, delivered here with splendid warmth of tone and crisp ensemble…Beautifully performed throughout, the album’s a powerful hymn to human connection in it’s many forms" - BBC Music Magazine
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Recorded on March 17, 19, and 20 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the COVID-19 sessions came together quickly as society began to shut down amidst the growing outbreak in the United States. Recorded on March 17, 19, and 20 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the COVID-19 sessions came together quickly as society began to shut down amidst the growing outbreak in the United States. “Cantus tour dates and home concerts were being canceled and it was clear there would be only a limited window in which to sing together before the world went on pause,” says Paul Scholtz, tenor. “What would social distancing and prohibitions on large gatherings mean for vocal music, our communities, and the world at large?” continues Scholtz. “Cantus’ vision is to give voice to shared human experiences and what better way than to offer these performances amidst this great turmoil and uncertainty. We hope you can find yourself and your experience reflected somewhere in these sessions. The pieces you will hear span a great breadth of emotion, from joy to sorrow to wonder to pain. We hope you will find the performances themselves informed by the emotional states in which they were recorded — heightened at different times in different ways.” ★★★★ "Cantus are a class act, performing everything with both immaculate balance and plenty of character" - BBC Music Magazine “Looking back in years to come, historians will find a musical time-capsule in the releases of the current period: recordings that commemorate, testify to, mourn, offer consolation or simply ponder this strangest of times. ‘The Covid-19 Sessions’ from American lower-voice ensemble Cantus is a classic of the new genre...Cantus is a class act vocally.” - Gramophone "What is so noticeable about this album is the variety of songs on offer. They draw on different cultures, genres and musical eras ranging from the Renaissance to the present day…It was pleasing to see several female composers in the song list – Hildegard von Bingen for instance…With nineteen different works on the album, there is a wealth of material to capture your imagination and lighten your mood…Magnificently sung. I have been humming it ever since. Would love to see this ensemble on the London stage." - ArtMuse London -
Anna Lapwood is a trailblazing musician. Alongside her work as a conductor, Director of Music and pub- lic speaker, she performs an extensive number of organ recitals on some of the greatest instruments across Europe each season. In 2022 she was announced as Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall and Artist in Association at BBC Singers. This album is the second commercial release for these choirs and Anna Lapwood as a conductor. It is a recording of A unique collection of contemporary choral pieces, some newly arranged pieces never before recorded, and some premiere’s of new works. Directed by Anna Lapwood, The Chapel Choir of Pembroke College has one of the most exciting and varied ranges of choral endeavours among Oxbridge choirs. Alongside their primary responsibility of contributing to worship in the College’s Chapel, they engage in regular artistic collaborations, media appearances and outreach work. The Pembroke College Girls’ Choir was founded in October 2018 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the UK’s leading girls’ choirs. Made up of 18 girls aged 11–18, the Choir sings twice a week in the College Chapel, as well as regularly singing alongside the Chapel Choir. ★★★★★ Editors Choice "The singers' vocal blend is impeccable…The sound is traditional but has an entirely novel flavor…An entirely distinctive release that will be treasured by lovers of English choral singing"- AllMusic.com"The choir's sound is fresh and supple, the blend sweet and nicely balanced… All phrased with care and musicality – directional without being mannered… There's a lot of care and affection in this recording, from the program notes to the choice of works and performances. Apart from being an attractive listen hopefully will also prove a valuable resource for other ensembles" - Gramophone
★★★★ "Standout tracks include Roxanna Panufnik's beautiful setting of Ubi caritas…against a lilting piano accompaniment, and a gorgeous set of evening canticles by Wayne Marshall…radiant phrases allow the girls' fresh young voices to bloom." - Choir and Organ -
Jamie Walton and Daniel Grimwood continue their performance partnership with this recording of sonatas for cello and piano by Shostakovich, Britten and Prokofiev. Both Walton and Grimwood are accomplished performers who regularly work together both on disc and in concert, as well as being highly active in the wider musical world. A recent highlight for Walton is his North York Moors Chamber Music Festival (where both he and Grimwood performed), which was nominated for a Royal Philharmonic society award in 2011.Praise for their last disc (SIGCD252) of Chopin and Saint-Saëns:"Jamie Walton’s mature cello timbre and perceptiveness in matters of interpretation are winningly applied to this coupling of two 19th-century sonatas … Finely honed stylistic judgment here goes hand in hand with re-creative panache."The Daily Telegraph - 5 Star Review"There’s a combination of youthful energy and wellseasoned musicality that Jamie Walton and Daniel Grimwood thrive on here and it’s a real partnership ... Fine playing"BBC Radio 3 – CD Review -
Leading performers of 17th-century music the Magdalena Consort, Fretwork and His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts combine forces under the artistic direction of William Hunt for their third release exploring the English Anthems with instrumental consort for ceremony, reflection and prayer to celebrate the anniversary of the death of Orlando Gibbons, completing a three-part series that began in 2017 with the first complete recording of Gibbons’ consort anthems. Learn more about the Orlando Gibbons project here: https://www.orlandogibbonsproject.com/ "Expressive and beautifully crafted." - Early Music Review "In Chains of Gold is a high-quality musical collective project that sheds light on these unknown masterpieces." - Sonograma"Nicolson’s anthem stands as the epitome of all that is best in Bill Hunt’s triumphantly successful project." - Early Music Review
"...there is a lot more there about the fresh ideas the ensembles here have applied to the music, but general listeners will also find much to enjoy" - AllMusic -
Release date: 05/12/2023 -
Joseph Nolan follows his five internationally acclaimed volumes of the Complete Organ Symphonies of Charles-Marie Widor with a collection of the composer’s other works for solo organ. The disc includes his Trois Nouvelles Pieces, March Amèricaine and Marche Nuptiale and Memento – a collection of transcriptions of works by J.S. Bach. This release completes a collection of 6 CDs that span Widor’s complete solo organ works, performed by Nolan on period Cavaillé-Coll organs from the French churches of St Sernin, Toulouse, St. François-de Sales, Lyon and La Madeleine, Paris. In April 2016, Joseph Nolan was made a Chevalier (Knight) in the Order of French Arts and Letters for his services to French Music. This recording is a must for all organ devotees and especially Widor fans - MusicWeb International Joseph Nolan follows his five acclaimed volumes of the complete organ symphonies of Charles-Marie Widor with a collection of the composer’s other works for solo organ - Northern Echo -
The fifth volume in our series of Charles-Marie Widor’s Organ Symphonies, performed by Joseph Nolan on the magnificent Cavaille-Coll organs of La Madeleine, Paris and Saint-Sernin, Toulouse. Bridging the generations from Mendelssohn to Messiaen, Empire to Republic, Widor was born to the organ. His Lyonnaise kinsfolk were organ-builders, he showed early talent for the instrument, and for decades was the embodiment of its might and splendour across the Gallic domain – his ‘Organ Symphonies’ were genre-defining in their influence.★★★★★ Nolan transcends Widor's scores, truly revelling in the Gothic beauty of this music and the grandiose instruments of the belle époque - Choir & Organ Joseph Nolan proves himself an excellent Widor interpreter - MusicWeb International -
Following the acclaimed Brahms recording in 2021, Emmanuel Despax presents his sixth album with Signum Classics: Chopin Piano Concertos (chamber versions) with Chineke! Chamber Ensemble. “Chopin’s Piano Concertos are among his first and most significant points of departure, a marked liberation from the constraints of an early but short-lived respect for custom and tradition... I would say that the excep- tional nature of this Chopin recording lies in the combination of the chamber music, quintet slimmed-down version of the Piano Concertos complemented by a pianist who plays with an almost epic size and grandeur.” - Bryce Morrison, C.2021 Emmanuel Despax has gained worldwide recognition as a singular artist, whose interpretations bring a rare sincerity and imagination to the music. Chineke! was founded in 2015 by the double bass player, Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, to provide career oppor- tunities for established and up-and-coming Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe. The Chineke! Chamber Ensemble comprises the principal players of the Chineke! Orchestra. ★★★★ "[The result] is entrancing, with piano and string quintet intimately interweaving, adding extra strength and beauty to scores already potent enough with their melodic riches and romantic allure. And if you imagine the results might be rather dainty, you don’t know Emmanuel Despax. Coming after the eloquent string players’ long introduction to the First Concerto, Despax’s opening statement arrives like a blast of dynamite. Though he sinks happily into meltingly lovely reverie when Chopin’s intentions allow, he’s driven mostly by dark energy and muscular strength. In doing so, Despax reveals to us the music of a 20-year-old already stretching beyond decorative brilliance towards the powerful expression of contradictory, sometimes troubling emotions…I didn’t miss the full orchestra at all" - The Times "When played with such aplomb as by Despax and the Chineke! Chamber Ensemble they are simply magnificent. Played with the authority, control and enthusiasm of Despax and Chineke, the results are breath-taking...Despax’s touch and tone are immaculate and Signum’s recordings are sensational. Heartily recommended" - International Piano "His legato tone and playing are fascinating, and the warm sound is combined with the performance of the five musicians of the Chineke! Chamber Ensemble, which live up to their potential. A performance of this quality really deserves nothing more than the best of the Signum Records label" - Sonograma "Despax's pianism is all we know to expect from him by now: considered eminently musical, deeply committed. He is clearly at home in chamber music, and the Chineke! Players are the most sympathetic partners" - Classical Explorer -
Two works from very different composers: Chopin’s works for cello were few and far between, but these two straddle his compositional life: the Introduction and Polonaise was written in 1829 when he was just 19, and the cello sonata in (1845-6) is his last work published during his lifetime (all latter works with opus numbers being published posthumously, against his wishes). In contrast, Saint-Saëns published a great many works for the cello (as well as works in almost every genre of the classical canon), with the Cello Sonata No.2 composed during his travels in Biskra, Algeria. Jamie Walton and Daniel Grimwood are performers who have proven themselves in both concert and recordings such as these to be formidable and enthralling interpreters of the classical canon.★★★★★ There’s a combination of youthful energy and well-seasoned musicality that Jamie Walton and Daniel Grimwood thrive on here and it’s a real partnership ... Fine playing - BBC Radio 3 Record Review ★★★★★ Jamie Walton's new coupling of Saint-Saens' Second Cello Sonata and Chopin's only sonata for the instrument restores faith in a too often maligned composer - New Zealand Herald Jamie Walton’s mature cello timbre and perceptiveness in matters of interpretation and winningly applied to this coupling of two 19th-century sonatas … Finely honed stylistic judgment here goes hand in hand with re-creative panache - The Daily Telegraph -
2012 marks the 15th anniversary of the first release from the leading independent classical label Signum Records. Beginning life as an early music specialist (with a landmark release of the Complete Works of Thomas Tallis with Chapelle du Roi), Signum has grown since 1997 to a catalogue of over 300 releases across a wide range of genres. In this A Cappella collection, you can hear a wide rage of works by The King's Singers, The Swingle Singers, BBC Singers, Tenebrae, Voces8 and many more all on one disc - all selected from titles across the Signum catalogue. This is a disc that can surely claim to have something for every taste and temperament - Choir & Organ