Magnificat was formed in 1991 by its conductor, Philip Cave, to explore the rich diversity of choral music from the last five centuries. The ensemble specialises in the restoration and performance of neglected choral masterpieces of the 16th and 17th cent...  moreMagnificat was formed in 1991 by its conductor, Philip Cave, to explore the rich diversity of choral music from the last five centuries. The ensemble specialises in the restoration and performance of neglected choral masterpieces of the 16th and 17th centuries. Magnificat ranges in size from four to forty voices and performs a wide range of music, both a capella and with ensembles of period instruments. In association with Linn Records, Magnificat.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.linnrecords.com/artist-Magnificat.aspx Magnificat has undertaken many recording projects of music from ‘The Golden Age'. The first of these comprises motets by Gesualdo, Guerrero, Josquin, Rebelo and Victoria together with Allegri's Miserere and Palestrina's Stabat mater. A highly acclaimed recording of Victoria's Officium Defunctorum of 1605, named a 1997 Critics' Choice by Gramophone Magazine and chosen by The Rough Guide as one of its ‘100 Essential Classical CDs', was...    less

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Book of Common Prayer version 1662) set to music for six part mixed voices SAT-SAT) The title of this work (Canticula Ursae Minoris/Songs of the Little Bear) comes from the origin of the melodies: Many years ago I wrote a...  moreMagnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Book of Common Prayer version 1662) set to music for six part mixed voices SAT-SAT) The title of this work (Canticula Ursae Minoris/Songs of the Little Bear) comes from the origin of the melodies: Many years ago I wrote an "Oratorio" based on Winnie the Pooh (The Expotition to the North Pole) and gave each character little melodic leitmotifs, such as "Sing ho for the life of a bear" (which becomes "to be a light to lighten the Gentiles" in the Nunc Dimittis), "They all went off to discover the pole" (which is the initial theme of the Magnificat) and "What I say, said Eeyore, is that it's unsettling" (which becomes the "Glory be to the Father" section at the end of each canticle) The original and much simpler "oratorio" work, called Poohratorio of course, may be published once AA Milne goes into public domain (2031).  less

SSAATTBB, soprano, 3 choir soloists

A short clip from the first movement of the Requiem by Nathaniel J. S. Barnes as performed by the Orlando Chamber Singers in May, 2008, under the direction of Gregory Ruffer

CHANT D'ACCLAMATION LE Magnificat

The final movement (Mvt. VI) of the Requiem that I composed in 2007, as performed by the Orlando Chamber Singers under the direction of Gregory Ruffer on May 18, 2008. I had wanted to write a requiem for quite some time, having been swept away by the Req...  moreThe final movement (Mvt. VI) of the Requiem that I composed in 2007, as performed by the Orlando Chamber Singers under the direction of Gregory Ruffer on May 18, 2008. I had wanted to write a requiem for quite some time, having been swept away by the Requiems of Brahms, Faure, Rutter, Durufle, Mozart and Daley. "Life's work well done, Life's race well run, Life's crown well won, Now comes rest." --- Edward Hazen Parker If [they] have given you delight By aught that [they] have done, Let [them] lie quiet in that night Which shall be yours anon: And for that little, little span The dead are borne in mind Seek not to question other than The [deeds] [they] leave behind. --- Kipling Pictures: random shots from London, UK; Washington, D.C.; Toronto, Canada; Tulum, Mexico.  less

John Rutter (*1945): Magnificat (1990) 2. Of a Rose, a lovely Rose Monteverdichor Würzburg Thüringer Symphoniker Saalfeld-Rudolstadt Matthias Beckert (cond.) Live recording from december 4th, 2011 in the Neubaukirche, Würzburg, Germany. Of ...  moreJohn Rutter (*1945): Magnificat (1990) 2. Of a Rose, a lovely Rose Monteverdichor Würzburg Thüringer Symphoniker Saalfeld-Rudolstadt Matthias Beckert (cond.) Live recording from december 4th, 2011 in the Neubaukirche, Würzburg, Germany. Of a Rose, a lovely Rose, Of a Rose is all my song. Hearken to me, both old and young, How this Rose began to spring; A fairer rose to mine liking In all this world ne know I none. Five branches of that rose there been, The which be both fair and sheen; The rose is called Mary, heaven's queen. Out of her bosom a blossom sprang. The first branch was of great honour: That blest Marie should bear the flow'r; There came an angel from heaven's tower To break the devil's bond. The second branch was great of might, That sprang upon Christmas night; The star shone over Bethlem bright, That man should see it both day and night. The third branch did spring and spread; Three kinges then the branch gan led Unto Our Lady in her child-bed; Into Bet...    less

The fifth movement of my Requiem as performed by the Orlando Chamber Singers under the direction of Gregory Ruffer. "Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. . ." Lacrimosa

Birds' Lullaby, 3 Canadian Nocturnes, movement III) text: Emily Pauline Johnson music: Nathaniel Barnes singer: Matthew Curtis I Sing to us, cedars; the twilight is creeping With shadowy garments, the wilderness through; All day we have carol...  moreBirds' Lullaby, 3 Canadian Nocturnes, movement III) text: Emily Pauline Johnson music: Nathaniel Barnes singer: Matthew Curtis I Sing to us, cedars; the twilight is creeping With shadowy garments, the wilderness through; All day we have carolled, and now would be sleeping, So echo the anthems we warbled to you; While we swing, swing, And your branches sing, And we drowse to your dreamy whispering. II Sing to us, cedars; the night-wind is sighing, Is wooing, is pleading, to hear you reply; And here in your arms we are restfully lying, And longing to dream to your soft lullaby; While we swing, swing, And your branches sing, And we drowse to your dreamy whispering. III Sing to us, cedars; your voice is so lowly, Your breathing so fragrant, your branches so strong; Our little nest-cradles are swaying so slowly, While zephyrs are breathing their slumberous song. And we swing, swing, While your branches sing, And we drowse to your dreamy whispering. http://www.choirplace.com...    less