Immerse yourself in the sublime vocal artistry of the Westminster Cathedral Choir with their 2006 release, "Brahms & Rheinberger: Masses & Motets." This exquisite collection, released on the prestigious Hyperion label, features a rich tapestry of sacred choral works that span the genres of Gregorian chant, choral, and requiem, all meticulously performed by one of the world's leading Roman Catholic choristers.
The album opens with Johannes Brahms' "Missa canonica," a work that showcases the choir's precision and harmonic mastery. The piece is followed by Brahms' two motets, Op. 29, which include the stirring "Es ist das Heil uns kommen her" and the penitent "Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz." These works are complemented by the serene "Geistliches Lied, Op. 30" and the timeless "Ave Maria, Op. 12," both of which highlight the choir's ability to convey deep spiritual devotion.
The album also features a selection of motets from Brahms' Op. 74, including the powerful "O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf" and the reflective "Warum ist das Licht gegeben?" These pieces, along with the other motets, demonstrate the choir's versatility and technical prowess.
In addition to Brahms' works, the album includes Josef Gabriel Rheinberger's "Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 109 'Cantus Missae'," a grand and majestic composition that showcases the choir's full range and dynamic control. The mass is performed with a sense of grandeur and reverence, making it a standout piece on the album.
Throughout the album, the Westminster Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Martin Baker, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. The choir's blend and intonation are impeccable, and their interpretation of these sacred works is both respectful and innovative.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a comprehensive exploration of the sacred choral repertoire, featuring some of the most beloved and enduring works in the genre. Whether you are a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The rich harmonies, precise execution, and spiritual depth of these performances make it a timeless addition to any music collection.
Tracks
Missa canonica, Woo 18: I. KyrieJohannes Brahms, Martin Baker, Matthew Martin, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Missa canonica, Woo 18: II. SanctusJohannes Brahms, Martin Baker, Matthew Martin, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Missa canonica, Woo 18: III. BenedictusJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Matthew Martin, Martin Baker
Missa canonica, Woo 18: IV. Agnus DeiJohannes Brahms, Matthew Martin, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 29: No. 1, Es ist das Heil uns kommen herJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 29: No. 2, Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein HerzJohannes Brahms, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Geistliches Lied, Op. 30Johannes Brahms, Martin Baker, Matthew Martin, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Ave Maria, Op. 12Johannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker, Matthew Martin
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 2, Verse 1. O Heiland, reiss die Himmel aufJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 2, Verse 2. O Gott ein Tau vom Himmel giessJohannes Brahms, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 2, Verse 3. O Erd schlag aus, schlag aus o ErdJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 2, Verse 4. Hie leiden wir die grösste NotJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 2, Verse 5. Da wollen wir all danken dirJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 1a, Warum ist das Licht gegeben?Johannes Brahms, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 1b, Lasset uns unser Herz samt den HändenJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 1c, Siehe, wir preisen selig, die erduldet habenJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
2 Motets, Op. 74: No. 1d, Chorale. Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahinJohannes Brahms, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 109 "Cantus Missae": I. KyrieJosef Rheinberger, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 109 "Cantus Missae": II. GloriaJosef Rheinberger, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 109 "Cantus Missae": III. CredoJosef Rheinberger, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 109 "Cantus Missae": IV. SanctusJosef Rheinberger, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 109 "Cantus Missae": V. BenedictusJosef Rheinberger, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker
Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 109 "Cantus Missae": VI. Agnus DeiJosef Rheinberger, Martin Baker, Westminster Cathedral Choir
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