The major work here is the suite The Seven Heavens, for choir and chamber ensemble; also we have seven other marvellous choral pieces.. All are brilliantly performed by Cor Cantiamo, the accomplished and acclaimed professional ensemble which is the current Choir in Residence at Northern Illinois University, USA, under its founder and conductor Eric A Johnson. Since its inaugural concert with Morten Lauridsen in 2010, Cor Cantiamo has developed a mission to work with contemporary composers resulting in many commissions and recordings.
James Whitbourn is a Grammy-nominated composer and ‘a truly original communicator in modern British choral music’ (The Observer). His works are admired for their direct communication to performers and audiences. This is the seventh album devoted entirely to his choral music. His eclectic inspirations include C.S. Lewis (The Seven Heavens), Anne Frank (the very popular Annelies), notable individuals, NASA space missions and liturgical texts. In all, his music is altogether delightful.
Instrumentalists for each work:
The Seven Heavens:Mathias Tacke, violin; Jesse Ya-chen Lee, cello; Evan Fojtik, flute; Devin Starr, clarinet;
Gwyn Downy, bassoon; Kelly Langenberg, French horn; William Goldenberg, piano
Ada: Mathias Tacke, violin; Faye Seeman, harp
The Voices Stilled: Mathias Tacke and Casey McGrath, violins; Donghee Han, viola; Jesse Ya-Chen Lee, cello; Evan Fojtik, flute
Eternal Rest: Mathias Tacke and Casey McGrath, violins; Donghee Han, viola; Jesse Ya-Chen Lee, cello;
Henry Robbins, double bass; Kyle Flens, timpani
Canticle of Mary/Canticle of Simeon: Donghee Han, viola; Dan Mattix, organ
(other works are for unaccompanied choir).
