The Choir of Jesus College Cambridge, Benjamin Sheen - The Living Fire (2025) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Set Me as a Seal Upon Your Heart
02. Love is the Peace
03. O Lord, Support Us All The Day Long
04. The Call
05. Jesus College Service, Op. 53: Magnificat
06. Jesus College Service, Op. 53: Nunc Dimittis
07. Litany to the Holy Spirit
08. Source and Fount of All Creation
09. Ave Verum Corpus
10. The Living Fire
11. O Lord, Support Us All The Day Long (II)
12. Jesus College Service: Magnificat
13. Jesus College Service: Nunc Dimittis
14. O salutaris hostia
15. Oculi omnium
16. God So Loved the World
17. Impromptu

The Living Fire is a celebration of choral music written for or associated with Jesus College, Cambridge. Featuring several premiere recordings of contemporary choral works by emerging composers, this album highlights the artistry within the College whilst honouring it's rich musical legacy. At the same time, it looks forward: the impetus behind this project was to provide a platform for emerging artists from within the College community to showcase their work. This project holds particular significance for several Choir members since, among the lyricists and composers, are former ensemble members. Their deep connection to the group has allowed for the creation of choral works uniquely suited to individual voices and our corporate strengths, making these world premieres all the more fitting. Many of the other contemporary works on this album are staples of Choral Evensong, beloved by the Choir and heard in Chapel services for many years. This album is a celebration of the bright future of music at Jesus College, the Choir's integral role in this special community, and it's broader contribution to the development and enjoyment of choral music globally.
In both cases the standard of performance is very high. Benjamin Sheen joined the College in 2023 after some years in America. This has prompted him to introduce new repertoire by American composers and, as with the Daley setting of Upon Your Heart, Libby Larson’s setting of God so loved the world is most refreshing after associating the words so closely with Stainer’s Crucifixion. As a conspectus of what the Jesus College Choir, in both their formations, is capable of achieving at the present time, this disc could hardly be bettered. Their artistry has clearly inspired composers to provide music of great expressive and dramatic force and the results are most distinguished and enjoyable. (Martyn Strachan, British Music Society)
The Choir of Jesus College Cambridge
Benjamin Sheen, direction

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