David Bednall, Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens - Hail, Gladdening Light
STYLE: Choral RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 23242- LABEL: Regent REGCD247 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Steven Whitehead
In his interesting notes that accompany this CD David Bednall expresses his agreement with Herbert Howell's desire to "make nice sounds" in his compositions. Bednall lists his influences for us: Howells, Finzi, Vaughan Williams and others who use tonality as a compositional force. For the non-specialist, take this to mean that Bednall writes tunes. The selections here all sound like cathedral music but this is still a forward-looking collection. Bednall is not writing pastiche but is trying and generally succeeding in finding his own voice. Your reviewer does not worship in a cathedral both by spiritual inclination and geographical location but if I was to visit, say, Wells Cathedral this is the type of music I would expect to hear. An "Easter Alleluia" opens up the proceedings with some splendid singing by the bass Christopher Sheldrake. Also we get music written for Wells Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral and Douai Abbey as well as an interesting "Adagio For Organ" played by the composer as a tribute to Pierre Cochereau. Wells Cathedral Choir is a mixed choir with girls, boys and men singing. On this CD they do themselves and their conductor Matthew Owens proud. Those who have an interest in contemporary choral music will appreciate this CD.
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