In the vast choral repertoire of the twentieth century, the sacred choral music of Herbert Howells stands apart: unmatched in its color and expressivity, and unfailing in its ability to move hearts. This recorded tribute features two of his best-known works, the Requiem and the sterling motet, Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing as well as a rare recording of his setting of the Te Deum for Washington Cathedral.
This recording was made with generous support from the Herbert Howells Trust.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
“While the Gloriæ Dei Cantores recording is far superior in terms of sound and depth, they also bring an unencumbered and tradition-free approach to the music giving it more passion than is often heard ... if I prefer the Cantores by just a hair, it's only because of the unique and flavorful sound they bring to this usually-done-by-the-English music, and the spacious hi-res surround sound.”
Audiophile Audition
“... under Elizabeth Patterson's able direction, they produce a big, thrilling sound that sweeps the listener up in an exhilarating cascade of vocal glory, abetted here by the excellent organ playing of James Jordan and SACD recording technology. Texts are included, and special note should be taken of the unusually elaborate work on the booklet, which is exceptionally intricate and beautiful in its mixture of pictures and typefaces ... Take Him, Earth for Cherishing receives a ravishing, heartfelt performance that can hold its own with any other in the catalog.”
Fanfare
Listen to music samples
1. Behold, O God our Defender | 2. A Sequence for Saint Michael | 3. Magnificat: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Chichester |
| 4. Nunc Dimittis: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Chichester | 5. Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing | 6. Requiem: Salvator Mundi |
| 7. Requiem: Psalm 23 | 8. Requiem: Requiem æternam I | 9. Requiem: Psalm 121 |
| 10. Requiem: Requiem æternam II | 11. Requiem: I heard a voice from heaven | 12. Te Deum Laudamus for Washington National Cathedral |
3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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In other respects, the work's [Requiem] emotions are strongly communicated
Among the shorter pieces, A Sequence for Saint Michael is particularly successful... Howells often conceived his works with the acoustical properties and character of specific buildings in mind ... Gloriæ Dei Cantores recorded their program in the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts. It is a recent (2000) stone building in the 4th-century basilican style with a lively acoustic. The organ consists of pipework from 12 instruments by EM Skinner and is entirely appropriate to accompany the works of Howells.
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Exceptionally intricate and beautiful
... under Elizabeth Patterson's able direction, they produce a big, thrilling sound that sweeps the listener up in an exhilarating cascade of vocal glory, abetted here by the excellent organ playing of James Jordan and SACD recording technology. Texts are included, and special note should be taken of the unusually elaborate work on the booklet, which is exceptionally intricate and beautiful in its mixture of pictures and typefaces ... Take Him, Earth for Cherishing receives a ravishing, heartfelt performance that can hold its own with any other in the catalog.
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Far superior
While the Gloriæ Dei Cantores recording is far superior in terms of sound and depth, they also bring an unencumbered and tradition-free approach to the music giving it more passion than is often heard ... if I prefer the Cantores by just a hair, it's only because of the unique and flavorful sound they bring to this usually-done-by-the-English music, and the spacious hi-res surround sound.
