Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem & Bernstein: Chichester Psalms

Choc de Classica The soloists, the young George Hill in particular, are exceptional. King’s College Choir and Britten Sinfonia amaze at every moment. With his recent Duruflé Requiem, Cleobury seems to be embarking on a new career, varied and outgoing, where his singers find a new passion.

Xavier de Gaulle, Classica Magazine

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As we have come to expect, the musicianship from King’s is of the highest standard, and the clarity of the recording … is also first class.

Stephen Whitehead, Crossrhythms

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge joins forces with the Britten Sinfonia for this album of two much-loved choral works. Both are recorded in orchestrations for smaller forces to match the size of the Chapel Choir: the Dona nobis pacem is presented here in a brand-new arrangement for small orchestra, commissioned for this recording, resulting in an intimate performance that brings new and different colours to Vaughan Williams’ work. The Chichester Psalms is performed in Bernstein’s own orchestration for organ, harp and percussion, and both performances include the recently-restored Harrison & Harrison organ in King’s College Chapel.

Baritone Roderick Williams, who received an OBE in June 2017 for services to music, and “radiant” (Sunday Times) soprano Ailish Tynan join as Dona nobis pacem soloists, while the treble solo in the Chichester Psalms is sung here by 11-year-old chorister George Hill.

The recording is accompanied by a specially-commissioned essay on these two ‘peace works’, and an analysis of the new orchestration. In recognition of the American connections in both works – those of Bernstein and Dona nobis pacem poet Walt Whitman – the album is also available with a free download of The Road Home by the contemporary American composer Stephen Paulus.