Choralis, Gretchen Kuhrmann - In Winter's Arms: Seasonal Music by Bob Chilcott (2017) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Wenceslas: I. Wintertide
02. Wenceslas: II. Who can that be?
03. Wenceslas: III. Forth, they went
04. Wenceslas: IV. Interlude-Winter Dark
05. Wenceslas: V. Sleeping in winter’s arms
06. Wenceslas: VI. Thank you
07. Wenceslas: VII. Fanfare-Winter Bright
08. Wenceslas: VIII. On Saint Stephen’S Night
09. Jesus, Springing
10. My Perfect Stranger: I. Prologue
11. My Perfect Stranger: II. My Perfect Stranger
12. My Perfect Stranger: III. Epilogue
13. The Nine Gifts
14. Gloria: I. Gloria in excelsis Deo
15. Gloria: II. Domine Deus
16. Gloria: III. Qui tollis peccata mundi
17. Gloria: IV. Quoniam tu solus sanctus


Bob Chilcott’s compositions are beloved with choral societies around the world, and this album represents the fruits of his recent collaborations with the US choir Choralis and their conductor Gretchen Kuhrmann.

Featuring festive works for solo choir as well as choir and brass ensemble, at the centre of the programme is Wenceslas, inspired by the legend of the Bohemian King who braved the winter weather with his Page to save the life of a poor peasant, and incorporating the melody of the famous carol into each of its 8 movements.

The disc includes the premiere recordings of Chilcott’s Gloria, which was premiered by the choir to great critical acclaim in 2015.

These musicians radiate all the warmth of the famous church scene in Home Alone… That underscores Chilcott’s gift as a songwriter and an arranger – Gramophone

Chilcott’s music undeniably sounds great when sung by a small scale professional chamber choir (such as here) but there’s something equally appealing in the inclusive joy of a performance by a larger group of amateurs. This is a tribute to them, as much as to the composer of the music they sing – MusicWeb International

Incorporating the traditional carol Good King Wenceslas it’s a work rich in melodic invention… sung here with becoming warmth, the finale glowing with good tidings… Impeccably directed throughout – Primephonic

This effortlessly fluent, audience-friendly music is hard to dislike. The craft is impeccable, the tunes are memorable and the performers invariably sound as if they’re enjoying themselves – The Arts Desk

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