Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of choral music with William Mathias' "Mathias: Choral Music," a captivating collection released on January 10, 2020, under the prestigious Naxos label. This album is a testament to Mathias' exceptional compositional prowess, offering a diverse array of sacred and secular choral works that span a little over an hour.
The album opens with the serene "A Babe Is Born, Op. 55," setting a contemplative tone. It continues with the Jesus College Service, Op. 53, featuring the majestic "Magnificat" and the soothing "Nunc dimittis." Mathias' unique ability to blend traditional choral elements with modern sensibilities is evident throughout these pieces.
A highlight of the album is the whimsical "Learsongs," arranged for soprano, alto chorus, and piano duet. This suite of six songs, including "Calico Pie," "The Owl and the Pussycat," and "The Pelican Chorus," showcases Mathias' playful side and his talent for setting poetry to music.
The album also includes the hauntingly beautiful "Y nefoedd sydd yn datga gogoniant Duw" and the reverent "Ave verum corpus," demonstrating Mathias' deep spiritual insight. The "Riddles" suite offers a fascinating exploration of textual and musical puzzles, while "A May Magnificat, Op. 79 No. 2" concludes the album on a triumphant note.
William Mathias, a Welsh composer of international renown, is celebrated for his lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and profound emotional depth. "Mathias: Choral Music" is a compelling introduction to his choral works, offering a blend of sacred and secular themes that will resonate with fans of choral music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the genre, this album promises a rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
A Babe Is Born, Op. 55William Mathias, Hugh Crook, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Jesus College Service, Op. 53: No. 1, MagnificatWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Jesus College Service, Op. 53: No. 2, Nunc dimittisWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 1, Calico PieWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 2, The Owl and the PussycatWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 3, The Duck and the KangarooWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 4, Uncle ArlyWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Learsongs (Arr. for Soprano, Alto Chorus & Piano Duet): No. 5, The Pelican ChorusWilliam Mathias, Glen Dempsey, Aïda Lahlou, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Y nefoedd sydd yn datga gogoniant DuwWilliam Mathias, Hugh Crook, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Ave verum corpusWilliam Mathias, Shanna Hart, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
Riddles: I. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: II. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: III. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: IV. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: V. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: VI. —Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
Riddles: VII. —William Mathias, Marie-Noëlle Kendall, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St John's College, Cambridge, Graham Walker
A May Magnificat, Op. 79 No. 2William Mathias, David Ellis, St. John's Voices, Graham Walker
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