COMPOSERS: Rachmaninov; Holst; Part; Kalinnikov; Chesnokov; Stravinsky; MacMillan; Tavener
LABELS: Universal
ALBUM TITLE: Ikon
WORKS: Various choral works
PERFORMER: The Sixteen/Harry Christophers; Huw Williams (organ)
CATALOGUE NO: 476 3160
There are 29 singers listed in the booklet, giving a rather bigger and more unfettered sound than usual from this group. Not surprising, perhaps, given the meaty Russian-ique programme. In fact, the repertoire is broad church, with MacMillan and Holst sitting alongside Tavener, Rachmaninov and the lesser known, but ravishing, delights of Chesnokov. A dark gold Orthodox light permeates all the performances, which lends a consistency to the whole programme. It is music in a continuous state of exaltation – from open-mouthed awe to ecstatic joy. As ever, the lines move with the indomitable motion of planets, and this broad unfolding has always been the most alluring quality of Christophers’ style, for me. There are some moments of less than perfect blend, and a rather raw performance of Pärt’s De Profundis. But what you get for your money is nonetheless 70 minutes of tranquil, wistful beauty. William Whitehead
Rachmaninov; Holst; Part; Kalinnikov; Chesnokov; Stravinsky; MacMillan; Tavener
There are 29 singers listed in the booklet, giving a rather bigger and more unfettered sound than usual from this group. Not surprising, perhaps, given the meaty Russian-ique programme. In fact, the repertoire is broad church, with MacMillan and Holst sitting alongside Tavener, Rachmaninov and the lesser known, but ravishing, delights of Chesnokov. A dark gold Orthodox light permeates all the performances, which lends a consistency to the whole programme. It is music in a continuous state of exaltation – from open-mouthed awe to ecstatic joy.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:59 pm