Celebrating their 40th anniversary, The Sixteen presents a monumental collection of sacred choral works spanning centuries and styles. This double-album release, titled "40," is a testament to the ensemble's enduring artistry and versatility, featuring a diverse program that includes medieval plainchant, Renaissance polyphony, Baroque masterpieces, and modern choral compositions.
The album opens with Handel's powerful "Saul, HWV 53" and traverses through works by composers such as Palestrina, Byrd, Monteverdi, and Britten. Notable highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Miserere - Evolution Version," the serene "Vespers of 1610" by Monteverdi, and the majestic "Mass in B Minor" by Bach. The Sixteen's signature blend of precision, passion, and spiritual depth is evident throughout, showcasing their unparalleled ability to bring these sacred texts to life.
With a running time of over two hours, "40" offers a rich and immersive listening experience. The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers, delivers a performance that is both technically impeccable and deeply moving, making this album a fitting celebration of their four decades of musical excellence. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to choral music, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
Saul, HWV 53: Act I, Scene I - How excellent Thy nameGeorge Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
The Strathclyde Motets: O Radiant DawnJames MacMillan, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Song of Songs: Surge amica meaGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
O Domine Jesu ChristeTomás Luis de Victoria, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Remember not, Lord, our Offences, Z 50Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Miserere - Evolution VersionHarry Christophers, Gregorio Allegri, Ben Byram Wigfield, The Sixteen
Vespers of 1610, SV 206: Deus in adiutorium meum intende,Claudio Monteverdi, The Sixteen, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers
Salve ReginaDiogo Dias Melgás, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Hymn for the Dormition of the Mother of GodJohn Tavener, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
The Deer's CryArvo Pärt, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Lay a GarlandRobert Pearsall, John Fletcher, Francis Beaumont, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
O nata luxThomas Tallis, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Haec diesWilliam Byrd, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Bring us, O Lord GodWilliam Harris, John Donne, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Coronation Anthem Let Thy Hand be Strengthened, HWV 259: Let Thy Hand be StrengthenedGeorge Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
In manus tuas IJohn Sheppard, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Ave Maria (Parsons)Robert Parsons, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Tota pulchra esJohn Plummer, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Requiem: SanctusGabriel Fauré, The Sixteen, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Harry Christophers
Cantata 79, Gott der Herr ist Sonn' und Schild, BWV 79: Gott der Herr ist Sonn' und SchildJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Symphony of Psalms: Part 1 - Exaudi orationem meam DomineIgor Stravinsky, The Sixteen, BBC Philharmonic, Harry Christophers
Mass for Double Choir: Sanctus and BenedictusFrank Martin, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 : Kyrie eleison iiJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Ave Maria (Palestrina)Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Miserere NostriThomas Tallis, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
O Sing unto the Lord, Z 44: Symphony / O Sing unto the LordHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers
Messiah, HWV 56: Part I - And the Glory of the Lord Shall be RevealedGeorge Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Cinq Rechants: IOlivier Messiaen, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
The Gallant WeaverJames MacMillan, Robert Burns, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Versa est in luctumAlonso Lobo, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G, FP 89: SanctusFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Messa a quattro voci, SV 190 : GloriaClaudio Monteverdi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Herr, nun lassest du deinen Diener, SWV 432Heinrich Schütz, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Benedicto et claritasMarcin Mielczewski, The Sixteen, Katy Hill, Charlotte Mobbs, Jeremy Budd, Daniel Collins, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Eamonn Dougan
Vesperae solennes de Confessore, K 339: Dixit DominusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Sixteen, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Harry Christophers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: BalalulowBenjamin Britten, The Sixteen, Libby Crabtree, Sioned Williams, Harry Christophers
Adam Lay YboundenHoward Skempton, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
O magnum mysteriumMorten Lauridsen, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: This little BabeBenjamin Britten, The Sixteen, Sioned Williams, Harry Christophers
Alexander's Feast, HWV 75: Part II - Your Voices TuneGeorge Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
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