Awake My Soul: Choral Works by Gary Davison - Wells Cathedral Choir & Matthew Owens (conductor) - Resonus Classics - RES10211

Awake, My Soul: Choral Works by Gary Davison

£12.99
Total playing time [63:48]

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Rachael Lloyd (mezzo-soprano)
Philip Dukes (viola)
David Bednall (organ)
Wells Cathedral Choir
Matthew Owens (conductor)

Wells Cathedral Choir and director Matthew Owens are joined by violist Philip Dukes and mezzo-soprano Rachael Lloyd for this exploration of choral works by the American composer Gary Davison.

Part of a continuing and fruitful relationship, all of the works on this recording were written for, and premiered by, the Wells choir. Consisting entirely of first recordings, this new album contains Davison’s largest work to date – the Missa pro defunctis, a powerful and moving setting of the Requiem – alongside Most High, Glorious God, the beautifully simple Wessex Service, and the uplifting Awake, My Soul.

Album Booklet (PDF)

About the Artists: Wells Cathedral Choir; David Bednall; Philip Dukes; Rachael Lloyd; Matthew Owens

Tracklist

1. Awake, My Soul

2. Most High, Glorious God
(A Prayer of Saint Francis)

Wessex Service
3. Magnificat
4. Nunc dimittis

Missa pro defunctis
5. Introit: Requiem aeternam
6. Kyrie eleison
7. Gradual: Dominus regit me
8. Tract: Absolve, Domine
9. Sequence: Dies irae
10. Offertory: Domine Jesu Christe
11. Sanctus & Benedictus
12. Agnus Dei
13. Communion: Lux aeterna

“

'The main work on this disc is American composer Gary Davison’s nine-movement Requiem, Missa pro defunctis, set to the full liturgical Latin text of the Roman rite. Throughout, Davison’s colouring of the text, use of voices in various combinations, and innovative organ part (performed with creative insight by David Bednall) make this a very welcome addition to the catalogue for either liturgical or concert use. One cannot overstate the contribution the Wells community and its inspired director of music have made to the sacred music repertoire.'

- Choir & Organ (5 stars)

'The main work on this disc is American composer Gary Davison’s nine-movement Requiem, Missa pro defunctis, set to the full liturgical Latin text of the Roman rite. Throughout, Davison’s colouring of the text, use of voices in various combinations, and innovative organ part (performed with creative insight by David Bednall) make this a very welcome addition to the catalogue for either liturgical or concert use. One cannot overstate the contribution the Wells community and its inspired director of music have made to the sacred music repertoire.'
Choir & Organ (5 stars)

'The Requiem’s additional forces give us some sumptuous viola-playing from Philip Dukes and some vibrant colours from the Wells Cathedral organ, played here by David Bednall. There are echoes of Frank Martin in the fretful incantation of the Kyrie and of Howells in the soaring writing for viola that weaves itself around the voices in the Gradual and Offertory. Both Wells’ boy and girl choristers are credited here and bring an easy brightness to the sound. '
Gramophone

'[...] fine performances of the Wessex Service (Evening canticles), Missa pro defunctis and anthems Awake my soul and Most High Glorious God.'
Lark Reviews

Credits
© 2018 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2018 Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10211
Producer, engineer & editor: Adam Binks
Release date: 27 April 2018
EAN: 5060262791165
Cover design: David Hughes (www.davidhughesdesign.co.uk)