CHOIR OF CLARE COLLEGE - Remembrance

"Early November is filled with recollections of loss, from All Saints’ Day, on the first, to All Souls’ Day, on the second, to Remembrance Day on the 11th. In keeping with those traditions, the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge has released a new recording on that theme called “Remembrance.” The packaging is decorated with poppies, the traditional image of the tragedy of World War I, taken from Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields:” “In Flanders fields the poppies blow/Between the crosses, row on row ...”

The almost 80-minute program includes a collection of nine brief choral works, from an ancient Russian Orthodox melody to a new arrangement of William Henry Monk’s iconic hymn “Abide With Me,” John Tavener’s exquisite “Song for Athene” and William Harris’ “Bring Us, O Lord God,” along with a complete recording of Maurice Duruflé’s setting of the Requiem mass. There’s not a weak link in there. Unlike some British university choirs, the Choir of Clare College is composed of both men and women, and they have a beautiful blend. The solo work of mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnston in the Duruflé’s “Pie Jesu” movement is particularly noteworthy. Director Graham Ross skillfully maintains that sound; this is a gorgeous disc." - St. Louis Post Dispatch