Customer Reviews

Orlando Gibbons: Tudor Church Music

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GIBBONS CREATOR OF MUSIC DIVINE; SUNG BY VOICES SUPERB AND SUBLIME!

Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) began his association with King's College Choir as a chorister under the direction of his eldest brother from 1596-1598. His talent was such that by the age of 21 he was sharing the duties as an organist. In 1623 he accepted the additional appointment as an organist at Westminster Abbey; he died suddenly just two years later. He was not a prolific composer, but his works included many masterpieces some of which are on this disc.

One of his most significant verse anthems is 'This is the Record of John' which is herein recorded by the King's College Choir featuring Michael Chance (countertenor) as the soloist. Chance's rendition of this number is truly a joy to hear. His tone quality, his diction, his emotional investment in the music goes way beyond many of the other deliveries I have in my collection. At least that's my opinion.

Another bright spot in this group of pieces is the verse anthem "See me, the Word is Incarnate" featuring the choir with a group of outstanding soloists: Paul Smy (boy soprano) Chance and Jones (altos), Daniels and Rivers (tenors) and Finley (bass). Some of the other notable selections are anthems "A Mighty and Everlasting God" and 'Lift Up Your Heads'. There are also several organ selections played skillfully by John Butt.

Throughout this recording the duo team of Chance and Smy is featured and what pleasure they give the listener! It continues to amaze me that the alto who is a man, and the soprano who is just a boy, make such a perfectly balanced blend, for I am certain that Chance has to work at keeping his voice from overpowering Smy, who is giving it his 'all'.

The London Early Music Group does much of the accompanying and very well, indeed! The all male King's College choir is dictionally perfect with a sonorous tone quality and a buoyant sound, all under the capable direction of Sir Philip Ledger (1982). Combine all of this with the melodious music of Gibbons and you have a winner!

Okay, it takes a bit of serious listing to appreciate this style of music, however there are a number of Orlando Gibbons works contained on this CD that make it well worth your investments. All are excellant performances and all are perfect. It is now very difficult for me to choose a favorite, however, O Thou, The Central Orb appeals to me. We are also treated to several Organ selections.