In the Beginning (2011)

performed by Beth Mackay (mezzo-soprano), Emily Tann (soprano), Guy Cutting (tenor), James Williams (bass), Jenny Cearns (soprano), Mothusi Turner (tenor), Rachel Fright (alto), Rachel Ryan (soprano), Timothy Coleman (tenor)
composed by Aaron Copland, Eric Whitacre, Gabriel Jackson, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Gustav Holst, Nicolas Gombert, Pawel Lukaszewski, Thomas Weelkes

In the Beginning is the debut album of the Choir of Merton College, Oxford, founded and directed by Peter Phillips and Benjamin Nicholas. The eight works are related to three themes: there are three Nunc Dimittis settings, three of David's lament over Absalom, and two using "In the beginning" texts, one from Genesis and one from the Gospel of John. The varied repertoire, ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century, showcases the group's versatility and includes works by Nicolas Gombert, Palestrina, Weelkes, Holst, ... Read More

In the Beginning is the debut album of the Choir of Merton College, Oxford, founded and directed by Peter Phillips and Benjamin Nicholas. The eight works are related to three themes: there are three Nunc Dimittis settings, three of David's lament over Absalom, and two using "In the beginning" texts, one from Genesis and one from the Gospel of John. The varied repertoire, ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century, showcases the group's versatility and includes works by Nicolas Gombert, Palestrina, Weelkes, Holst, Copland, Pawel Lukaszewski, Eric Whitacre, and a newly commissioned piece by Gabriel Jackson. It's an attractive selection of pieces and the contrast of the various settings of the same texts adds interest. Jackson's In the Beginning was the Word, for choir and organ is a warmly expressive setting of the opening of John that uses lush harmonies. The pieces by Whitacre and Lukaszewski are likewise written in a relatively conservative but rich harmonic language. The Whitacre starts with an... Read Less