Choral elements from Protestant, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and medieval traditions are included in this anthology of anthems and motets, many drawing inspiration from the Psalms. They range from sixteenth century Germany (Eccard), through the nineteenth-century Anglican tradition of Hanforth, Stainer and Stanford and the twentieth-century Catholicism of Poulenc, to contemporary England (Rose, Tavener, Harvey), Scotland (MacMillan), Australia (Halley) and the USA (Paulus). Previous recordings from the Choir of St John’s, Elora have been described as “a real joy” (Gramophone on 8557037, Faire is the Heaven), and “world-class… sensational” (ClassicsToday.com on 8554823, Psalms for the Soul).
This release, builds not only on centuries of ecclesiastical tradition: superb recordings under the directorship of Noel Edison have also become something of a fixture and highlight of our choral catalogue. This beautifully balanced new programme assumes instant pride of place amongst highly prized predecessors.
