Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.

Hyperion offers both CDs, and downloads in a number of formats. The site is also available in several languages.

Please use the dropdown buttons to set your preferred options, or use the checkbox to accept the defaults.

Click cover art to view larger version
Track(s) taken from CDA67639

O Antiphons

composer
No 1: 1998; No 2: 1995; No 3: 1997/8; Nos 4 & 6: 1999; No 5: 1997; No 7: 1996/8
author of text

The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, Stephen Layton (conductor)
Recording details: July 2007
Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Produced by Adrian Peacock
Engineered by Simon Eadon
Release date: September 2008
Total duration: 34 minutes 23 seconds

Cover artwork: Jesus Dies on the Cross—Station 12 by Penny Warden
Blackburn Cathedral, Lancashire / Bridgeman Images
 

Reviews

‘This is a lovely disc of enchanting choral music … only the hardest of musical hearts will remain unmelted by such committed interpretations. In its [Nunc dimittis] beautifully measured phrases, immaculately tailored textures and ingenious use of light and shade to invoke light shining in darkness, it is a gem which receives here a beautifully poised account … here is a composer who really is a true master of the art of a cappella writing. In saying that it has been difficult to draw this CD out of my player, so frequently have I returned to it, I can offer no higher praise’ (Gramophone)

‘A superlative issue in every way. This inspired music by the contemporary Polish composer employs a convincing language of 'renewed tonality' in its impassioned response to the traditional liturgical texts … these young Cambridge singers bring a technical mastery and total commitment to this vibrant music’ (Choir & Organ)

‘Layton's affinity with this radiant, accessible music is clear as he guides the Trinity College Choir, which sings with passion and purity throughout the programme’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘With performances as sonorous and acutely paced as these, they come across with a winning fervour. Layton's advocacy is certainly vindicated’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘Stephen Layton conjures magical and sophisticated performances from the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, and I imagine that the composer must be in seventh heaven’ (International Record Review)

‘Layton is arguably the finest choral director working today in the UK … Layton's choral scholars sing this challenging music, with its dazzling polytonal clusters, complex chords, and non-traditional progressions with absolute purity of tone, perfection of intonation, and depth of feeling … we live in a renaissance of sacred choral music … it is clear that Polish composer Paweł Łukaszewski belongs to this company of titans … I found myself amazed at each subtle harmonic surprise, at each stunningly apt underlining of a phrase … do not hesitate’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Vocal effects including susurration are used by the 40-year-old Polish composer, but it is the emotionality permeating every syllable of his religious settings that is the most impressive. The singers' performance is immaculate’ (Classical Music)
Waiting for content to load...
Waiting for content to load...