Music for Leisure. Choir music in England.
For more than 500 years, a strong choral tradition has existed across the channel. Erasmus from Rotterdam was an early admirer and had noticed in particular the integral part of this music in religious services. In 1515, an Italian traveler described this music as ‘More Divine than Human’.
What music have they been listening to? Probably to the music from The Eton Choirbook.
In the Netherlands, the English choral tradition has also been embraced by both protestant and catholic church choirs. The Utrecht Kathedrale Koor and the Domcantorij regularly have English repertory on their lecterns.
1) Richard Davys (1465-1535) – In honore summe matris
The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford conducted by Stephen Darlington
Avie records AV2167. (avierecords.com)
2) Francis Jackson (1917) – Magnificat Nunc Dimittis in G
Utrecht Kathedrale Koor conducted by Gerard Beemster; Wouter van Belle, organ
Valkhof Press: Hidden gem. ISBN 978 90 5625 430 8
3) Gerald Henry Knight (1908-1979) – Anglican Chant/Psalm 104
4) Richard Woodward (1744-1777) – Praise the Lord, O my soul
Domcantorij conducted by Remco de Graas; Jan Hage, organ
Domkerk Utrecht. Muziek in de Dom DSD1831160511
5) William Cornysh (14??-1502) – Salve Regina
The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford conducted by Stephen Darlington
In addition:
Herbert Howells – Hymn to St Caecilia
Utrecht Kathedrale Koor conducted by Gerard Beemster; Wouter van Belle, organ
