59.00 PLN

CD:

Nr kat.: CDA67615
Label  : Hyperion

'Schola Cantorum, Oxford's premier mixed choir, connects deeply with Maw's Romanticism, and gives a rich, sound-driven account ... More Maw, say I' (BBC Music Magazine) 'Nicholas Maw comes out of that excellent group of British composers born in the 30s. Congratulations to Hyperion for producing this CD, which is not attached to an anniversary, simply because it is a superb example of choral writing performed by a first-class choir. Maw's striking miniatures include the Three Hymns, Five Epigrams, Five Carol Settings, Five Irish Songs and One Foot in Eden still, I stand. The composer illuminates a text from within with wit and charm and total understanding, the occasional accompaniment adding another dimension to the overall sound. Schola Cantorum of Oxford gives an excellent performance and is obviously enjoying every minute. A totally enjoyable experience' (Choir & Organ magazine) 'British composer Nicholas Maw (b. 1935) is a master of this idiom, especially impressive in the five "carols" that mark the middle of this exceptional program. The Angel Gabriel has been set countless times, but Maw's is a truly original version that retains the essence of the melody while adding a new harmonic and properly ethereal/atmospheric dimension to this well-loved Christmas song. The title work, One foot in Eden still, I stand … is an extended composition for a cappella choir that sticks to tonal, text-driven choral writing techniques that respect the dramatic elements of the poem while honoring the importance of pure, idiomatic vocal expression and unique sound quality. The Schola Cantorum of Oxford under Mark Shepherd's solid direction makes the best imaginable advocate for this music, delivering impeccably polished, full-bodied performances recorded in vibrant, carefully balanced sound. Highly recommended for fans of modern choral music!' (ClassicsToday.com) Maw's lyrical reflective style suits the choral medium well … The first piece, 'Morning Hymn' certainly raises its hat to Maw's teacher Lennox Berkeley, the second 'Pastoral Hymn' even to composers like Finzi and Vaughan Williams, and all three are thoroughly effective, touching, and really deserve a regular place in the repertoire. The choir responds to the ‘Hymns’ with enthusiasm and confidence, as it does to the set of five Christmas carols that range from the austere two-part “Our Lady's Song” and an imaginative setting of the well-known “The Angel Gabriel”, in which Maw surrounds the original tune with leaping, ecstatic dancing lines, to the soothing “Swete jesu” written for King's College, Cambridge in 1992 … if this release encourages people to examine the choral work of one of England’s finest composers then that is all to the good' (ClassicalSource.com) 'This new CD release from Hyperion Records will bring Maw to the attention of a wider audience by virtue of its excellent recording quality and beautiful peformances by the Schola Cantorum of Oxford' (Lifestyle Magazine) 'Maw's choral music … expects and rewards singing of the quality which this fine Oxford choir is able to provide. Fine tuning and they relish the subtle harmonies which pervade. All the words are in English, worth reading on their own, and enhanced by Maw's treatments. The booklet is a model of its kind, texts complete and in strong black on white for a change! All the singers named, as they deserve to be. I've played this CD through twice and will come back to it again' (Musical Pointers) ------------------------------- Nicholas Maw is a dominant force in contemporary British music. His Violin Concerto won for Joshua Bell the Mercury Music Prize for Classical Album of the Year in 2000, while his latest opera, Sophie’s Choice—a Covent Garden commission setting William Styron’s harrowing tale of Auschwitz and its aftermath—is currently receiving its American premieres. Throughout his long career Maw has periodically found time amidst his predominantly orchestral and operatic output to craft some inimitable choral works. This new recording by Schola Cantorum of Oxford present many first recordings and gives a broad overview of Maw’s choral achievements. Swelling organ accompaniment opens the programme with the Three Hymns; Maw’s reponses to these metaphysical texts are innovative and effective. Two cycles of five miniatures, Epigrams and Irish Songs, show a very different complexion. From the ribald humour of On a noisy polemic to the intense lyricism of Ringleted youth of my love Maw puts his singers to the test, with results that are at once entertaining and moving. The programme is completed by five carol settings and One foot in Eden, commissioned by King’s College Cambridge as part of their 500th anniversary celebrations in 1990. It demonstrates a composer in total command of his medium and is impressive in its varied choral writing and striking use of harmony and melody. Performances by Oxford University’s crack chamber choir, Schola Cantorum, under their director Mark Shepherd, are taut and responsive, the perfect vehicle for this music which deserves the opportunity to reach a wider public. All works except for One foot in Eden still, I stand and Balulalow are here recorded for the first time.