The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood (2019) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

The Dream of the Rood sets texts chosen by the composer from the Anglo-Saxon poem of the same name which dramatically describes the story of the crucifixion in a highly original portrayal of Christ’s death coupled with Casken’s own arrangement of Pérotin’s Viderunt omnes, the earliest surviving vocal work of plainsong in four parts. In both arrangements, Casken introduces a large instrumental ensemble and masterfully enhances the medieval texts and music of the originals within a highly effective contemporary context. Alongside these are three pieces from the rare Conductus repertoire of the 12th/13th centuries which have been core to The Hilliard Ensemble's performing library.

This release marks the significant contribution to British music of one of its most notable vocal ensembles and one of its richest of composing voices, in work that is equally moving and dramatic.

"Honouring Casken at 70, this is among the Hilliard’s last recordings, and aptly includes one of their “standards”, Pérotin’s Viderunt omnes, with its innovative four-part plainsong. Here it comes in Casken’s transcription, with modern ensemble." (Sunday Times)

Tracklist:
1. The Hilliard Ensemble - Vetus abit littera
2. The Hilliard Ensemble - Procurans odium
3. The Hilliard Ensemble - Deus miseratus hominis
4. John Casken - Viderunt omnes (Arr. J. Casken)
5. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: I. Procession I (The Dream)
6. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: II. Motet of Angels
7. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: III. Dream of Fear
8. Asko/Schönberg - The Dream of the Rood: IV. Interlude I
9. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: V. Procession II (The Torn Tree)
10. Asko/Schönberg - The Dream of the Rood: VI. Interlude II
11. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: VII. Dream of Revelation
12. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: VIII. Motet of Sacrifice
13. Asko/Schönberg - The Dream of the Rood: IX. Interlude III
14. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: X. Motet of Shame
15. Asko/Schönberg - The Dream of the Rood: XI. Interlude IV
16. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: XII. Dream of Adornment
17. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: XIII. Motet of the Rood
18. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: XIV. Motet of Prayer
19. The Hilliard Ensemble - The Dream of the Rood: XV. Procession III (The Faith)

Personnel:
The Hilliard Ensemble
Asko | Schönberg Ensemble
Clark Rundell, conductor