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Track(s) taken from CDA67330

What cheer?

composer
1961
author of text
Richard Hill's Commonplace Book, 16th century

Polyphony, Stephen Layton (conductor)
Recording details: January 2002
St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, United Kingdom
Produced by Mark Brown
Engineered by Julian Millard
Release date: June 2002
Total duration: 1 minutes 6 seconds
 

Other recordings available for download

Polyphony, Stephen Layton (conductor)
The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter (conductor)
Voces 8

Reviews

‘An outstanding collection’ (Gramophone)

‘What a splendid work it is, especially when sung with the verve brought to it by Stephen Layton’s choir Polyphony’ (The Sunday Telegraph)

‘Performances are vibrant and energetic, and attack the scrunchy harmonies with complete accuracy’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘A wonderfully refreshing interpretation’ (The Observer)

‘This sterling collection should win Walton’s choral music many new fans’ (American Record Guide)

‘Every generation delivers an outstanding talent with the vision and commitment necessary to produce refreshingly individual, totally convincing interpretations. Stephen Layton's readings of Walton's choral music on this tremendous disc are without equal, supported by the high-octane, stylish singing of Polyphony and one of the finest recorded sounds I've heard for years. Layton sets a stately speed for the Coronation Te Deum, although the crisp brass fanfares of the Wallace Collection and articulate work from the choir convey a rare energy and exuberance. Buy it!’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘From fanfare to finale this is a very fine and fitting centenary compilation indeed’ (Organists' Review)

‘For Waltonians, this is a compulsory purchase’ (HMV Choice)

‘A great collection and an absolute winner’ (Cathedral Music)

«On trouve chez Layton, avec des chœurs d’une beauté et d’une précision étonnantes, un surcroît de chaleur et d’investissement, ce qui place ce disque en tête de la discographie» (Répertoire, France)
Sir William Walton began his musical life as a chorister at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. His first published composition, A litany, was a short anthem written at the age of 16, and from time to time he returned to church music, though the bulk of his output is orchestral. His handful of church pieces are all of high quality. What cheer?, a carol written in 1960, represents the exuberant, rhythmic side of his musical personality.

from notes by Collegium Records © 1988

Other albums featuring this work

A Christmas Present from Polyphony
NOEL2Super-budget price sampler — Download only
Faire is the Heaven
COLCD107Download only
O magnum misterium
CDA66925Download only
Voces 8 Christmas
Studio Master: SIGCD291Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available
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