Notes and Editorial Reviews
Herbert Howells remains one of the most elusive, yet ultimately rewarding composers of the 20th century English Musical Renaissance. His style owes something to Vaughan Williams and the English pastoral school, but with a certain cosmopolitan polish and harmonic spice that could have come from Britten and his teacher, Frank Bridge. His choral writing is magnificent: very difficult, perfectly sonorous, and hugely expressive. Had it not been for his sensitive and retiring nature, aggravated at the height of his career by the tragic death of his young son, who knows what he might have gone on to achieve? As it is, there are some very substantial, indeed epic, works for chorus and orchestra, of which Hymnus Paradisi is by far the best known.
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Richard Hickox directs an extremely compelling performance, rising to climaxes of positively transcendental intensity (that of the fourth movement "Sanctus" is especially overwhelming). The coupling, a world premiere recording, makes an ideal contrast, showing the composer and his art at its most relaxed and rural. There's some really fine solo singing, particularly from baritone Alan Opie, and Chandos' recording is first rate. Howells is a great composer. Get to know him.
– David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com
Hickox's soloists...are excellent...Hickox is equally well served by his BBC choral and orchestral forces and by his recording engineers...This is one of the best recordings of British music in years. Go for it.
– Fanfare [1-2/2000]
"The 'Hymnus Paradisi' is almost overwhelming in its affective grieving...without ever resorting to maudlin excess....The well-blended BBC Symphony Chorus sings with an enveloping warmth....the BBC Symphony Orchestra plays superbly." – Opera News [2/2000] Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Hymnus Paradisi by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Joan Rodgers (Soprano),
Anthony Rolfe Johnson (Tenor)
Conductor:
Richard Hickox
Orchestra/Ensemble:
BBC Symphony Orchestra,
BBC Symphony Chorus
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1938; England
2.
A Kent Yeoman's Wooing Song by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Alan Opie (Baritone),
Joan Rodgers (Soprano)
Conductor:
Richard Hickox
Orchestra/Ensemble:
BBC Symphony Orchestra,
BBC Symphony Chorus
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
Sound Samples
Hymnus Paradisi: I. Preludio
Hymnus Paradisi: II. Requiem aeternam (Chorus, Soprano)
Hymnus Paradisi: III. The Lord is my Shepherd (Soprano, Tenor, Chorus)
Hymnus Paradisi: IV. Sanctus: I will lift up mine eyes (Chorus, Soprano, Tenor)
Hymnus Paradisi: V. I Heard a Voice from Heaven (Tenor, Chorus, Soprano)
Hymnus Paradisi: VI. Holy is the True Light (Chorus, Soprano, Tenor)
A Kent Yeoman's Wooing Song: I. Lento
A Kent Yeoman's Wooing Song: II. Allegro vivo
A Kent Yeoman's Wooing Song: III. Meno mosso, con tenerezza
A Kent Yeoman's Wooing Song: IV. Allegro ritmico
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