Nunc dimittis '1979 version' (Burgon) - from CDA67567 - Hyperion Records

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St Paul's Cathedral Choir, John McDomnic (trumpet), John Scott (conductor), Huw Williams (organ)» More

The Gesualdo Six, Owain Park (director), Matilda Lloyd (trumpet)» More

Chichester Cathedral Choir, Alan Thurlow (conductor), Jeremy Suter (organ)» More

Jesus College Choir Cambridge, Rebecca Crawshaw (trumpet), Mark Williams (conductor), Robert Dixon (organ)» More

Reviews

‘Geoffrey Burgon … has found a niche in contemporary English choral music because he wants to communicate, to write music that people want to hear … this immensely appealing music is superbly sung by the Wells Cathedral Choir who prove to have excellent soloists. The vivid direction by Matthew Owens is greatly aided by David Bednall's creative organ contribution and Hyperion's first-class recording in the cathedral. A disc well worth seeking out’ (Gramophone)

‘The girls and men of Wells Cathedral directed by Matthew Owens give a riveting performance enhanced by the playing of David Bednall and Alan Thomas … in the popular field Burgon presses all the right buttons without risk of compromise’ (Choir & Organ)

‘The music is gratefully written for voices, expertly performed, and warmly recorded’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘The national soundtrack for the past three decades … [Burgon] shows what can be done with some simple ideas and a top-flight cathedral choir’ (The Independent)

‘Musically, these performances are all that could be wished for in terms of technical accomplishment’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Strong performances from the Wells Cathedral girl choristers and lay clerks … I was soon persuaded that this recording is a welcome addition to the Burgon discography’ (Cathedral Music)

‘Hyperion’s sound is terrific (does anyone record English choirs better than they?) and the production first class’ (Audiophile)

‘Geoffrey Burgon's music is beautifully crafted with a wealth of invention and on this Hyperion Records CD a treat awaits for those already familiar with his works as well as those new to his music … the Short Mass is marvellously realised by the Choir of Wells Cathedral and their performances throughout are excellent’ (Lifestyle Magazine)

‘Hyperion's championing of British composers goes on unabated. With this first issue dedicated to Geoffrey Burgon's choral works, the catalogue has been enriched with a truly versatile contemporary voice … closer analysis reveals a wealth of invention and masterly command of the voice deeply rooted in the classical tradition … the Wells Cathedral Choir under Matthew Owens give compelling performances and the emotional and textural intensity of their singing does Burgon proud. As expected, sound and balance are of the very highest standards’ (Classical.net)

Introduction
English

Although the composer admits that the creative act can be a struggle, many of his works spring to life, Minerva-like, fully formed in Burgon’s imagination. His Nunc dimittis, for example, conceived for the BBC’s acclaimed dramatization of John le Carré’s novel Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, briefly entered the UK pop chart’s Top 10 in 1979. It has since established an enduring place in the church repertoire. Burgon observes: ‘Like many of my best pieces, it came to me very clearly and complete. And I always thought of it as being part of a tradition of sacred music, not a piece deliberately written in a “pop” style.’

Other albums featuring this work

Burgon: Cathedral Music

Chichester Cathedral Choir, Alan Thurlow (conductor)

CDA66123Download only

‘No composer would ever find a more responsive team’ (Gramophone)» More

Journey into light

Jesus College Choir Cambridge, Mark Williams (conductor)

Studio Master: SIGCD269Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

Gramophone
'This album provides a lovely programme of music. The Choir of Jesus College, Cambridge perform beautifully and the album contains a lot of wonderful ...» More

Radiant Dawn

The Gesualdo Six, Owain Park (director)

Studio Master: CDA68465Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

The Gesualdo Six explore different aspects of light and shade—musical evocations of dawn and dusk, the seasonal and the sacred—by composers from Saint Hildegard, writing in the twelfth century, to Owain Park in the twenty-first. The participation ...» More

Remembrance

St Paul's Cathedral Choir, John Scott (conductor)

CDA67398

‘A lasting souvenir of a moving occasion, a fitting tribute to a great man, but above all, fine listening’ (Gramophone)» More

Recording details: February 2006
Wells Cathedral, United Kingdom
Produced by Mark Brown
Engineered by Julian Millard
Release date: November 2006
Total duration: 3 minutes 4 seconds

Cover artwork: Three Ladies Singing (detail). Louis Welden Hawkins (1849-1910)
Private Collection / Bridgeman Images