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ID: SIGCD073
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Choral Collection
Subcollection: Choir
Recorded in the beatiful church of Notre Dame, Rozay-en-Brie, by Concerto Delle Donne, this CD celebrates 300 years of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, whose works ranged from simple settings of hymns composed for unaccompanied solo voice to works of great complexity and virtuosity for soloists, double choir and double orchestra. Here, the focus is on the sacred works that Charpentier composed for two and three solo women's voices. The three principal sopranos of of Concerto delle Donne all feature as soloists. Other composers included on this disc are Jean-Baptiste Lully, Nicholas-Antoine Lebčgue & Guillame-Gabriel Nivers.
Reciting the Divine Office was central to the life of a contemplative nun, and at many convents musical instruction was a regular part of daily life. On major feast-days, it was customary to sing, rather than simply recite, the Offices of Matins and Vespers. Throughout the seventeenth century, there are references to nuns singing the Offices, as well as singing motets during the Mass and at the popular devotional service of Salut (or Benediction). This is witnessed, not only in descriptions from the period, but also in the extensive repertory of sacred music known to have been composed for women’s voices by seventeenth-century composers such as Charpentier, Clérambault, Couperin, Lully and Nivers.
There was a dichotomy in elevated seventeenth-century French society: on the one hand, there was the pomp and ceremony of Court, marked by frivolity and artificiality; on the other hand, there was incredible religious fervour found in the convents and other religious establishments, at which members of Court society spent many hours of each day in pious devotion. These noblewomen balanced the life of luxury and attention to social obligations at Court, with a life of prayer, devotion and service. The Guise princesses, for whom Charpentier worked during the 1670s and 1680s, epitomise the devout noblewoman, fulfilling both their worldly and their religious duties on a daily basis. They were particularly devoted to worship of the Virgin and the Infant Jesus which is reflected in the numerous pieces composed by Charpentier in honour of the Virgin Mary - some of which are recorded here.
The religious practices of convents within Paris differed widely depending on the Order, and this affected the type of music used within the establishment. In keeping with Counter-Reformation ideology, emphasis was placed on devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the penitential rites, as well as the veneration of saints. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament was seen in the popular evening service of Salut at which the Host was venerated, and hymns, litanies and motets were sung. Motets were also sung during the services held by the confraternities of the Virgin. |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD072
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Vocal Collection
Subcollection: Vocal and Piano
Following Sarah Connolly's series of title roles at English National Opera, Glyndebourne and New York's Metropolitan Opera in 2005, this live recital was recorded at St. John's, Smith Square, London, having been premiered at Carnegie Hall earlier in the year. |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD059
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Choral Collection
Signum Classics are proud to release the second disc from the Vasari Singers on Signum Classics - Anthems for the 21st Century.
To celebrate its first twenty-five years of vibrant music making, the Vasari Singers commissioned ten composers to each write an anthem that would in their eyes reflect the state of the world at the start of the new millennium.
The brief indicated that each work should be suitable as an anthem in an Anglican cathedral Evensong, and that it could also look beyond any constraints of Liturgy or formal religious doctrine to embrace a wider, ecumenical audience. Perhaps something more humanistic that would have a voice in the multi-cultural, multi-faith societies of the new 21st century world?
6 - Fiona McWilliams, soprano / Daniel Burges, tenor
7 - Nicola Balzan, soprano / Julia Field, alto / David Jackson, tenor / Andrew Angus, bass |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD058
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Subcollection: Piano
Signum Classics are proud to release Elena Kats-Chernin debut disc on Signum Classics, Ragtime & Blue
Elena Kats-Chernin is a composer who defies categorisation and is probably best summed up as a force of nature. Her prodigious imagination has produced a vast body of work, unparalleled in range, drawing from all the musical traditions of the past and present. A virtuosic pianist and improviser, her compositions flow from her like a fountain.
This CD is drawn from the small works she often writes for her own enjoyment - a cornucopia of rags, blues and heart-melting melodies. These small vessels of fine feelings offer an intimate view into the composer’s heart.
Jazzy piano rags and melancholic musings, with duos for piano and violin of energy romance and charm, with echoes from Debussy to Shostakovich. |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD057
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Instrumental
Signum Classics are proud to release Daniella Ganeva's debut disc on Signum Classics - Time for Marimba.
The marimba has its origins in Africa and by way of South America, it has developed into the modern western instrument we know today. Since the second world war it has developed a certain pre-eminence amongst the percussion resources from which contemporary composers can draw. Milhaud’s 1947 Concerto for Marimba and Vibraphone, one of the first works to demand of the player the now familiar four hammer technique, is a pivotal work in this respect.
Japan has a strong drumming tradition but other indigenous percussion instruments are limited to bells, cymbals and rattles of various sorts. The 1868 establishment of constitutional monarchy under the Meiji restoration opened up the country to the outside world, including that of western art music. Yet in the very post-war period which has seen the marimba’s ascendance, Japanese composers have tended to look away from the west and towards their traditional music and its instruments for their inspiration and means of expression.
This disc explores the 20th century Japanese repertoire for marimba including music by five pre-eminent post-war composers.
Additional percussion: Gary Kettel, Graham Instrall, Graham Cole, Gillian McDonagh; Simon Haram |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD101
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Vocal Collection
Subcollection: Voices and Chamber Ensemble
Philip Langridge is joined by a fine cast of musicians for this recording of songs from the Georgian era, centred around the rural paradises in and around London, the Pleasure Gardens.
Featuring works by some of the foremost composers of the day, this is a hugely entertaining and dramatic collection of songs where love, lust and lament are the main players. : William Boyce, William Jackson, William Croft, John Blow, John Eccles, Daniel Purcell, George Munro, Maurice Green, James Hook, Thomas Arne, Thomas Linley, Stephen Storace
Philip Langridge is one of the world’s most distinguished singers, whose musical and dramatic qualities ensure that he is in constant demand throughout Europe, the USA and Japan. In recognition of these qualities, he was made a Commander of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 1994. |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD099
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Brass Collection
Subcollection: Chamber Ensemble
With Sitars, Tablas, Shakuhachi, Koto, Sho, Bodhran, Penny-Whistle, Bandeoneon & Didgeridoo
The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble boldly explores new repertoire for brass from different cultures around the globe, with an incredible line up of composers and instrumentalists from different disciplines and musical spheres. A melting pot of Indian ragas, Japanese Gagaku, Argentinian tangos and ancient Celtic tradition, via American improvised and classical music, gives rise to a release of sparkling originality, where daring instrumentations are perfectly matched with sublime performances from this true ‘world’ ensemble.
The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble (GABE) was founded in London in 1992, drawing its players from a variety of acclaimed orchestras, groups and prestigious academic institutions. Acclaimed as one of the world’s most innovative ensembles, GABE has given concert s throughout Europe, USA, Scandinavia & Australia.
On their previous release with Signum, The Music of James Pugh & Daniel Schnyder:
“The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble has produced an exceptionally fine recording. The playing is beautiful, spacious, playful, and mysterious. I have listened to it many times and it is better every time! ”
International Horn Society |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD081
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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In celebration of Mozart year, the 250th anniversary of his birth, Signum Records are pleased to present, 'Mozart Piano Trios'!
On this disc, three of the six Mozart piano trios are featured along with one of the three separate trio movements which he left unfinished.
Teasing, flirtatious, tender, elusive, anguished, charming and magical are all words used by performer and classical specialist, Diana Ambache, to describe these three Mozart piano trios, written in his last three years
k548 - trio in Allegro, Andante Cantabile, Allegro
k542 - trio in e Allegro, Andante grazioso, Allegro
k564 - trio in g Allegro, Andante (theme and variations), Allegretto
k442 - triosatz in d Allegro |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD080
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Choral Collection
Subcollection: Choir
Described by The Times as "thrilling. contemporary, and original... impressive and profoundly affecting", Francis Pott's writing provides a treasure-trove of astonishingly beautiful composition. Meditations & Remembrances is a new collection of choral and organ pieces of extraordinary tenderness and masterly technique.
Francis Pott began his musical life as a chorister at New College Oxford. He held open music scholarships at Winchester College and Magdalene College, Cambridge. Francis was appointed Administrative Head of Music at London College of Music and Media in 2001, subsequently becoming its Head of Composition and Research Development on Music, Media and Creative Technologies. He was also a member of Winchester Cathedral Choir under David Hill from 1991 until 2001. Francis remains an active pianist and accompanist, uniting both compositon and academic research.
Christ Church Cathedral Choir enjoys an enviable reputation as one of Ireland's most outstanding choirs. Under the direction of Judy Martin, Director of Music at the cathedral, the present choir is a mixed ensemble of 20 adult singers. In addition to the full part it plays in the worship in the cathedral, the Cathedral Choir is active with concerts, tours and regular broadcasts. |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD075
CDs: 1
Type: CD
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Collection: Instrumental
Subcollection: Piano
Much loved pianist, John Lill, plays touchstones of the 19th century romantic piano tradition. Lill is at his sparkling best in this wonderful repertoire.
Lill's concert career spans over fifty years and has taken him to over fifty countries, both as a recitalist and a soloist with the world's greatest orchestras. His busy concert schedule continues to take him up and down the breadth of the country from Scotland to the South Coast and also to Europe and beyond, including performances of these recorded works.
Lill was awarded the CBE for his services to music in the 2005 New Year's Honours List. |
| 18.00 eur Buy |
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