Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English choral music with "Oxford Anthems," a captivating album by the renowned Choir of New College, Oxford. Released on April 4, 2011, under the Regis Records label, this choral masterpiece spans over an hour and twelve minutes, featuring fifteen exquisite anthems that showcase the choir's exceptional vocal prowess and musicality.
The album is a testament to the Choir of New College, Oxford's reputation as one of the world's leading choral ensembles. Comprised of adult singers and boy trebles, the choir delivers a stunning performance of Renaissance and Baroque repertoire, demonstrating their strengths in these periods with remarkable precision and artistry.
"Oxford Anthems" presents a diverse range of compositions, from the intricate polyphony of Byrd's "O Lux Beata Trinitas" to the stirring harmonies of Parry's "I Was Glad." The album features works by prominent English composers such as Tomkins, Tye, Gibbons, Croft, Greene, Boyce, Attwood, Battishill, Wesley, Stanford, Elgar, and Parry. Each piece is meticulously performed, highlighting the choir's technical skill and expressive depth.
Recorded in the acoustically superb Chapel of New College, Oxford, the album benefits from the choir's familiar and resonant performance space, enhancing the overall listening experience. Under the direction of Edward Higginbottom and later Robert Quinney, the Choir of New College, Oxford continues to uphold its storied tradition of excellence, making "Oxford Anthems" an essential addition to any choral music enthusiast's collection.
