Catalogue

Summary:

“gloriously broad, magisterial readings of Browne’s two Salve Regina settings and other solemn delights by Horwood and William, Monk of Stratford, delivering the listener to the beating heart of late medieval Marian devotion” – Choir & Organ

“With this instalment of music from the Eton Choirbook, the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral sets out to rival The Sixteen’s five-volume anthology…Already it seems to me that they surpass it technically – which is remarkable considering the inevitable changes of personnel that time imposes on a choir with boy trebles – and interpretatively” – Gramophone

“The first [Salve Regina setting] contains glories enough, but the male-voice second possesses remarkable sensual richness and sense of destination. The performances of these, and of William Horwood’s Gaude Flore Virginali and a Magnificat by William, Monk of Stratford, are excellent” – The Sunday Times

This collection of music from the Eton Choirbook, the vast collection of English sacred music from the early Renaissance, is the fourth in an acclaimed series by Stephen Darlington and The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford which has proved to be a thrilling encounter with the remarkable world of the liturgy of Eton College Chapel in the late 15th century. This sumptuous volume includes the first recording of John Browne’s second setting of the Salve Regina. This music was firmly rooted in the daily devotional life of the College, appreciated by all and not just a worshipping élite. The boys and men of Christ Church Cathedral choir maintain this tradition with a special affinity for this glorious repertoire and deliver performances of unreserved commitment.

critical acclaim for The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
“a disc to send the spirits soaring. Glorious beyond words.” – Gramophone, Best of 2009 (on More Divine Than Human)

“The performances here are undoubtedly among the best” – BBC Music Magazine (on Choirs of Angels)

“Stunningly effective singing … insightful and precise direction by Stephen Darlington … a ground-breaking achievement” – Early Music Review (on Courts of Heaven)

Tracklist:

JOHN BROWNE (fl c 1480–1505)
1. Salve Regina I a 5 (15.01)
2. Salve Regina II a 5 * (18.47)

WILLIAM HORWOOD (c. 1430–1484)
3. Gaude flore virginali a 5  (14.56)

WILLAIM STRATFORD (fl late 15^th – early 16^th centuries)
4. Magnificat a 4 (19.45)

Total duration: 68.42

* first recording

Recording: 14–16 March 2016, Chapel of Merton College, Oxford
Producer: Jeremy Summerly
Balance engineer and editing: Simon Fox-Gál