As the New Year begins, it's something of a tradition on Choral Showcase to present some of the newer recordings of choral music that have come our way over the past year (or two.) One of the things I've noticed this past year is the number of new albums that feature not only fresh performances, but newer composers and compositions, or works not previously heard before; along with performance by newer choral ensembles. So, the theme for January 2023 is "New Voices, New Recordings."
We'll begin on January 1, New Year's Day, with a program called "Psalms, Hymns, and Motets." We'll open with music of Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672), sung by Le Cris de Paris directed by Geoffroy Jourdain, from their album, Schütz: David & Salomon on harmonia mundi.
We’ll follow with selections from Penelope Thwaites: From Five Continents. This London-based composer, originally from Australia, has composed some beautiful hymns and songs, performed here on this SOMM Recordings project by Ex Cathedra led by Jeffrey Skidmore. Ms. Thwaites herself plays piano on several tracks.
One group we’ve heard from before is The Brabant Ensemble, Stephen Rice, musical director. Their fascinating recording projects on Hyperion Records focus on high quality repertoire from the Renaissance, from composers mostly unknown. One of their latest is the music of Jean Mouton (c.1459-1522), whose works are similar in style to Josquin de Prez (Jean Mouton: Missa Faulte d’argent & Motets).
We come to the 21st century with the music of Scottish composer James MacMillan, with a penitential motet from his recording, James MacMillan: One Equal Music on Signum Classics. Sam Laughton directs The Elysian Singers.
We’ll conclude with highlights from Now the Green Blade Riseth: Choral Music for Easter. This recording, released last spring on their own label, presents the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, under their new music director, Daniel Hyde.
Join me New Year’s Day evening for Choral Showcase on WETA Classical.
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