DCD34042-CD

Song of Songs

The Song of Songs stands apart from its Biblical surroundings as one of the supreme love poems of world literature: a celebration of erotic love in the form of a dialogue between a bridegroom and his bride, invoking all the senses and pervaded by the fragrance of wine, blossom, fruits and spices. Ranging widely over five centuries, from the relative asperity of Dunstaple to the lush exoticism of Daniel-Lesur, this cherry-picked assortment of sweetmeats is given exultant life by Mike Brewer and Laudibus.

"The mixture of music from five centuries is successful...each work is pervaded with a controlled yet sensuous pleasure in texture and melody, and it's pleasing to hear some lesser-known composers…Skempton and Jackson's settings, holding their own alongside even Victoria... the music, performances and sound on the disc are warm, sensitive and luminous."

 

 

"Delicious precision: most of the world's choirs would die for their clean, blazing sound"

"Clearly they have received expert training from Michael Brewer but as well as the technical excellence of the singing a palpable sense of commitment and enthusiasm comes across. This is an outstanding disc and the thoughtfulness and flair behind the planning of the programme is most impressive."

"the singing is wonderful. The chamber choir Laudibus are rightly held in high regard and some of the singing on this release is superlative. Praise must be given to conductor Mike Brewer and producer Paul Baxter for such an accomplished recording."

CROSSRHYTHMS

"So far as thematic programming and quality of performance is concerned, this new disc from Delphian is inspired and impressive."

"Brewer's youthful choir is outstanding in this imaginative programme."

"these are most impressive performances. The recording doesn’t drown them in resonance, yet there is abundant warmth and richness, as befits the texts."

"The highly skilled young chamber choir Laudibus gives an absorbing performance. Their rich, clear voices slip into the style of each century with consummate ease under the riveting direction of founder Mike Brewer. A welcome addition to any collection."

Release date: 20 May 2016
Catalogue No: DCD34042
Total playing time: 1:06:00
 
Recorded on 14-15 January 2006 at St Silas the Martyr, London
 
Producer: Paul Baxter
Engineer: Adam Binks
24-bit digital editing: Thomas Hewitt Jones
24-bit digital mastering: Paul Baxter & Thomas Hewitt Jones
 
Design: Drew Padrutt
Photography: Paul Baxter & Dr Raymond Parks
 

Album Booklet

You may also like ...

Scotland at Night: choral settings of Scottish poetry from Burns to McCall Smith

Vaughan Williams: A Cappella Choral Works

Giles Swayne: Convocation

Richard Allain: When I’m Gone

Subscribe