Briefly Noted: Coronation Music (CD of the Month)

An English Coronation, 1902-1953, Gabrieli Consort, Roar, and Players, Chetham's Symphonic Brass Ensemble, S. R. Beale, R. Pierce, M. Martin, E. Slorach, P. McCreesh (released on May 3, 2019) Signum Classics SIGCD569 | 159'21"

From this American's perspective, the only thing to be regretted about the final demise of monarchy would be the ceremonial and music associated with it. Paul McCreesh has put together this 2-CD collection of the best music composed for the coronation of English rulers, following up on a similar compilation of music for the coronation of the Doge in Venice, recorded in two slightly different versions. With forces ranging from intimate to vast, he has recorded music from Gregorian chant to Tallis and Byrd to William Walton and David Matthews in the resonant acoustic of Ely Cathedral and two smaller churches. All of the music is drawn from the coronations of Edward VII (1902), George V (1911), George VI (1937), and Elizabeth II (1953).

The pieces range from expected favorites like Parry's I Was Glad, Handel's explosive Zadok the Priest, and Walton's Coronation Te Deum to less expected discoveries. McCreesh expands his main ensemble with the Gabrieli Roar, a partnership with a number of youth choirs, which adds voice to his projects and gives young singers training. The pieces with mass numbers of singers gain in vigor and excitement what they lose just slightly in refinement. The instrumental works include regal marches and heraldic brass fanfares. Much here to make Anglophiles and royal nostalgists rejoice.

Tallis Scholars at the Kennedy Center

Tallis, Missa Puer Natus Est Nobis, Tallis Scholars, P. Phillips (Gimell, 1998)

Charles T. Downey, Tallis Scholars continue to set the standard
Washington Post, December 4

Listening to the recordings of the Tallis Scholars, one may wonder whether the group sounds that good live. The answer is yes, confirmed again during their latest visit to Washington on Thursday as part of the Fortas Chamber Music series at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. As they have done for more than 40 years, Peter Phillips and this British vocal ensemble continue to set the standard for the performance of Renaissance polyphony.

They do so in a way that’s not historically authentic, putting female voices on the upper parts, generally sung by boys in the Renaissance, and often transposing the music into keys suited to mixed voices... [Continue reading]

Tallis Scholars
Fortas Chamber Music Concerts
Kennedy Center Terrace Theater

SEE ALSO:
James R. Oestreich, The Tallis Scholars, Hovering in a Meditative Sphere (New York Times, December 6, 2015)

Charles T. Downey, Tallis Scholars and Folger Consort Together Again (Ionarts, December 14, 2010)

---, Tallis Scholars Doing What They Do Best (Ionarts, November 30, 2010)