The Sixteen & Harry Christophers - Poetry in Music (2015) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Does music add substance to words or is music inspired by them? Songs of departure and farewell are deeply rooted in the great tradition of British choral music, nourished by ancient myths of testing journeys, wayside transformations and homecomings. The transcendent nature of music and the power of poetry to challenge and alter perceptions of reality – harnessed by English composers over many centuries – flow through a programme that invites contemplation of life and death, of love and loss, creation and eternity. In a journey covering six centuries of musical history, The Sixteen performs a cappella anthems with powerful texts by writers as varied as Edmund Spenser, Christopher Fry and W.H. Auden.

Tracklist:
01. Faire is the Heaven
02. Dance, Clarion Air
03. When David Heard
04. The Gallant Weaver
05. Since I Believe in God the Father Almighty
06. When David Heard
07. Hymn to Saint Cecilia
08. There is a Spirit
09. When David Heard
10. Take Him, Earth for Cherishing
11. Lay a Garland
12. Eternitie
13. When David Heard
14. Bring Us, O Lord God

Composers:
Britten, Benjamin (1913-76)
East, Michael (c.1580-1648)
Gurney, Ivor Bertie (1890-1937)
Harris, William Henry (1883-1973)
Howells, Herbert Norman (1892-1983)
MacMillan, James (b.1959)
Pearsall, Robert Lucas (1795-1856)
Ramsey, Robert (fl.1610-44)
Rubbra, Charles Edmund (1901-86)
Rubinstein, Beryl (1898-1952)
Tippett, Michael Kemp (1905-98)
Tomkins, Thomas (1572-1656)
Weelkes, Thomas (c.1576-1623)

Personnel:
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers (conductor)