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DCD34174-CD
£15.99
Now firmly established among Oxbridge’s finest choral foundations and at the same time certainly its youngest, the Choir of Merton College can be relied upon to present a selection of favourite anthems which similarly combines fresh inspiration with timeless musical values.
The choir’s fifth Delphian recording in five years again showcases the talents of its joint directors Benjamin Nicholas and Peter Phillips, with Phillips’ love of polyphony complemented by Nicholas’s flair and commitment in some of the twentieth century’s major choral works. Bookending these ‘favourites’ are Patrick Gowers’ now iconic Ascension Day anthem Viri Galilaei and Jonathan Dove’s newly minted Te Deum, commissioned by Merton College as part of the Merton Choirbook – the largest series of commissions of its kind in modern times, created in celebration of the College’s 750th anniversary.
"With some ensembles, orchestras and choirs one very soon runs out of superlatives. The Merton College Choir, though but recently founded, and their association with the Delphian label, offers one such case."
"The Merton choir's singing is notable for its clarity. The polyphonic lines of Byrd's Diliges Dominum, the antiphonal effects of Harris's classic Faire is the heaven and even the dense textures of Parry's Blest pair of sirens have about them an almost class-like transparency…this is a lovely collection of good music, well performed, beautifully sung and exquisitely recorded. Who could ask for anything more?"
"Organ playing from the scholars is top-notch and the singing from these young voices is always unforced and balanced. Familiar music here, in an energetic new release."
"The quality of singing is exemplary throughout...the music is splendid and this is a disc to be heard again and again"
ORGANISTS' REVIEW
"Now firmly established as one of Oxbridge's most outstanding choral foundations and at the same time definitely its youngest, the Choir of MertonCollege performs this selection of favourite anthems with superlative clarity and heart-on-sleeve approach, and the beautifully moulded lines reveal a musicality that is not encountered very often. Indeed this is an immensely responsive mixed-voice choir which is among the most exciting ensembles performing today."
MUSIC & VISION
Collections: All Releases, Choir of Merton College Oxford & Benjamin Nicholas, Choral
Category: Benjamin Nicholas, Choir of Merton College, Choral, Oxford, Peter Phillips
