William Mathias - Mathias: Lux Aeterna (LP)

Experience the profound and moving choral masterpiece "Lux Aeterna" by the esteemed Welsh composer William Mathias. Released in 1998, this album showcases Mathias' renowned skill in crafting intricate and resonant choral works. The album features three powerful movements: "Lux Aeterna," "Domine Jesu Christe," and "Libera me," each performed by a stellar cast of soloists and the London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of the legendary Sir David Willcocks.

"Lux Aeterna" is a large-scale oratorio that demands the full range of human voice, from the deep contralto in the first movement to the soaring soprano in the third. The work is a testament to Mathias' ability to blend the human voice with orchestral textures, creating a rich and immersive sonic landscape. The album's duration of just over 56 minutes allows for a deep dive into Mathias' unique compositional style, which seamlessly weaves together elements of traditional choral writing with more modern harmonic language.

This recording, released on the prestigious Chandos label, is a testament to the enduring power of Mathias' music. Despite his passing in 1992, Mathias' legacy lives on through works like "Lux Aeterna," which continue to captivate audiences with their beauty and depth. Whether you're a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Lux Aeterna" offers a compelling introduction to the world of William Mathias and his extraordinary musical vision.