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The death of Alfred Schnittke in 1998 robbed the world of one of its most distinctive symphonists. But as this fine disc of his lesser-known choral works makes clear, it also deprived Russia of a composer deeply aware of his country's vocal traditions, and a writer able to reflect that tradition through a uniquely personal prism.
By far the most powerful expression of that ability is the mighty...
If in some of his choral music Schnittke sounds a little ‘unlike himself’, this disc reveals a less theatrical, more introspective side to his character. Perhaps it’s that the influences sit contentedly together – Rachmaninov is here, as is Poulenc at times, and the world of Pärt and Tavener isn’t too distant – yet Schnittke’s preoccupation with unusual choral textures makes the works very...
Polyphony met the Age of Enlightenment; they said “Handel’s oratorio ?”, the others said “Stephen Layton conducting “, the consequence was Emma Kirkby, Michael Chance, James Gilchrist and David Wilson-Johnson; and the world said “wow!”
'Lovingly rendered by Polyphony under Stephen Layton, this should be a disc of choice not only for this year but as well as for the years to come'
Superb performances which are beautifully recorded
Those of you who have ever sung in a choir, particularly around Christmas time, will be familiar with John Rutter's huge role in shaping the musical content of carol services up and down the country. He has arranged just about every carol known to man and his original Christmas compositions, as heard here on this extraordinary disc, epitomise both the joy and intense emotion that the Nine...