The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, admired the world over as exemplary of the English choral tradition, was established in the 15th century. In our own time, the composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies described it as “a crowning glory of our civilization”. Leading from Gregorian chant through favourite masterpieces to contemporary works, this splendid choral journey spans 40 years of recording history and three of King’s College’s Directors of Music – Sir David Willcocks, Sir Philip Ledger and Sir Stephen Cleobury. It concludes with the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which over the past century has become an essential element of Christmas.
CD 1 Gregorian Chant
CD 2 BYRD: The Great Service
CD 3 Music of the XVIth century (incl. Allegri: Miserere)
CD 4 CHARPENTIER: Te Deum · Magnificat
CD 5 VIVALDI: Gloria · Dixit Dominus · Magnificat
CD 6 BACH: Cantata BWV 147 · Three Motets
CD 7-8 HANDEL: Messiah
CD 9 FAURÉ: Requiem · Pavane
CD 10 BERNSTEIN: Chichester Psalms · BRITTEN: Rejoice in the Lamb
CD 11 HOWELLS: Hymnus Paradisi
CD 12 IKOS: Górecki · Pärt · Tavener
CD 13 RUTTER: Requiem…
CD 14 A Festival of Lessons and Carols