For this performance Tenebrae turns its attention to a range of repertoire featured on its most successful award-winning recordings. ‘Versa estate in luctum’ by Lobo is one of the most beautiful and heavenly pieces of Renaissance music in existence, Allegri’s ‘Miserere’ is now probably the most widely recognised piece from the same era and it is these works that will set the tone. John Tavener’s music is well known for its mystical qualities with strong leanings towards music of the Orthodox Church. This takes us seamlessly into the sumptuous harmonies and textures of the Russian Orthodox Church with works by everyone’s favourite Russian composer, Rachmanninov, and a gem by little known Victor Kalinnikov. We then skip back to England with music from the familiar name of Gustav Holst.

The second half focusses on secular partsongs by British composers from the last century up to the present day. Gorgeous works from Elgar and Stanford are interspersed with new works from two of Britain’s most outstanding composers in Judith Bingham and Bob Chilcott. Both have distinctive styles which contrast with each other but give a clear indication that choral music in Britain continues to thrive and is in safe hands for the foreseeable future. A concert with something for everyone!

Programme

Even Such Is Time

Alonso Lobo Versa est in luctum
Gregorio Allegri Miserere mei, Deus
John Tavener Hymn to the Mother of God
John Tavener Song for Athene
Victor Kalinnikov I Will Love Thee
Sergei Rachmaninov Bogoroditse Devo
Gustav Holst Ave Maria
Gustav Holst Nunc Dimittis

– Interval –

Edward Elgar O Wild West Wind
Edward Elgar My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land
Bob Chilcott The Modern Man I Sing
Bob Chilcott Even Such Is Time (Mvt. IV)
Charles Villiers Stanford The Bluebird
Judith Bingham The Drowned Lovers
Charles Villiers Stanford On Time
Ernest Walker Soft Music
Charles Villiers Stanford Quick! We Have But a Second

Artist(s)

Tenebrae