The beginning of Advent is celebrated with a particular solemnity at Merton. For its second recording, the choir explores the musical riches that adorn this most special time in the church year, centring on a newly-commissioned sequence of Magnificat antiphons from seven leading composers including Howard Skempton, Ēriks Ešenvalds and Sir John Tavener. The mingled hopes, fears and expectations of the season are beautifully articulated by this fervent body of young singers.
Matthew Martin – Ecce concipies
Anon., 14th-century Germany – arranged by David Blackwell – Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
William Byrd – Rorate caeli desuper
James MacMillan – Advent Antiphon
Judith Weir – Drop down, ye heavens, from above
Michael Praetorius – Alvus tumescit virginis
Seven Advent Antiphons:
Anton Heiller – Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen
William Byrd – Ecce Virgo concipiet
Michael Praetorius – Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
Tomás Luis de Victoria – Ave Maria
James MacMillan – O Radiant Dawn
Gramophone
December 2012
All the music is radiant, all of it is unexpected, including a set of seven Advent antiphons commissioned by the chaplain … and comes from a choir that’s gone from being a minor player in Oxbridge choral music to becoming one of the most exciting groups in its area
International Record Review
December 2012
The quality of the singing throughout is very high — this is an immensely accomplished and responsive mixed-voice choir … an impressive achievement in every way … Delphian’s recorded sound is beautiful.
Sunday Times
December 2012
This richly varied collection of mainly contemporary music for Advent, most of it directed by Nicholas, is exquisitely sung … a fine seasonal disc.
The Arts Desk
December 2012
A satisfyingly solemn, serious affair. Here, the Advent progression from hushed anticipation to bright, hopeful light is given extra weight by the varied choice of material sung … the mixture of settings ancient and modern succeeds beautifully… Lovely, in other words
The Observer
October 2012
The fresh, well-blended voices show vitality and drill, but the basses, in particular, bloom beautifully in James MacMillan’s Advent Antiphon and John Tavener’s O Adonai
The Scotsman
October 2012
The singing is fresh and opulent, and delivered with a clarity and precision that sits pleasingly with the resonant ambience of the recordings
The Times
December 2012
The radiant young voices, sumptuous acoustics and quality items should make for gripping listening all year round