Customer Reviews

Gibbons: Choral and Organ Music

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Orlando Gibbons main achievements as a vocal composer are his anthems for chorus and organ and his verse anthems for soloist, chorus and organ. B the time he composed all church music was performed in English, but the words are all included but I didn't really need them because the Oxford Camerata conducted by Jeremy Summerly enunciated the words very well Gibbon's is known for the austere beautiful vocal compositions. The vocal music intersrsed with some of Gibbons organ music which was very movingly played by Laurence Cummings. Some of my favorite are O clap yur hands a setting of Psalm XLVII Hosanna to the son f David both which particularly demonstrate Gibbon's faith which tears to my eyes.
Please excuse typos I have a neurologic disease.

This is a beautiful, largely serene collection of Gibbons inspirational choral music, exquisitely sung by the peerless Oxford Camerata under Jeremy Summerly. There is a fresh clarity to the singing, with much vocal colour and variety within the flowing vocal lines. 'Out of the Deep' reminds me of the tranquil, flowing lines of Allergi's 'Misere', while the joyful bounce of 'O Clap your Hands' is infectious and irresistible. However, the 'Magnificats' have weight and authority to spare. This album fizzes with the resolution of harmonic clashes, and some engaging counterpoint throughout. Laurence Cummings organ pieces provide a pleasing counterweight to these gorgeous vocal pieces. Recording at Hertford College has a wonderfully spacious ambience. Gramophone and Penguin Guide recommended. Tranquillity on tap!