The Sun Most Radiant: Music from the Eton Choirbook, Vol. 4

Composers: Browne, Horwood, Stratford
Released: 2016
Label: Avie
Code: AV2359 AVIE 2016

Description

This CD of music from the Eton Choirbook, the vast collection of English sacred music from the early Renaissance, is the fourth in an acclaimed series by Stephen Darlington and The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford which has proved to be a thrilling encounter with the remarkable world of the liturgy of Eton College Chapel in the late 15th century. This sumptuous volume includes two first recordings: John Browne’s second setting of the Salve Regina, and William Horwood’s Gaude flore virginali. This music was firmly rooted in the daily devotional life of the College, appreciated by all and not just a worshipping élite. The boys and men of Christ Church Cathedral choir maintain this tradition with a special affinity for this glorious repertoire.

Tracklisting

John Browne (fl. c.1480–1505)
1. Salve Regina I a 5 (15.01)
2. Salve Regina II a 5 * (18.47)

William Horwood (c.1430 – 1484)
3. Gaude flore virginali a 5 * (14.56)

William Stratford (fl. late 15th – early 16th centuries)
4. Magnificat a 4 (19.45)

* first recordings

Recording: 14–16 March 2016, Chapel of Merton College, Oxford
Producer: Jeremy Summerly
Balance engineer and editing: Simon Fox-Gál