Recordings
“Budding singers, composers, conductors and producers everywhere take note: this is how it’s done.” Classic FM Magazine
An English Coronation 1902-1953
Worldwide release 3 May 2019
Simon Russell Beale (Archbishop of Canterbury), Rowan Pierce (soprano), Matthew Martin (organ)
Gabrieli Roar
Gabrieli Consort & Players
Chetham’s Symphonic Brass Ensemble
Paul McCreesh (conductor)
EDWARD VII 1902 | GEORGE V 1911 | GEORGE VI 1937 | ELIZABETH II 1953
A spectacular recreation of the lavish English Coronation rite featuring music by Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, Handel and Wesley alongside thrilling large-scale festive music by Elgar, Parry, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Howells and Walton, culminating in a stunning new version of the National Anthem by David Matthews. Paul McCreesh directs a vast orchestra, massed fanfare trumpets and a choir of 300 singers.
Parry: I was glad
“★★★★★ Incisive in the orchestral works ... McCreesh is at his considerable best in the choral items ... Vivant the Gabrielis – not forgetting the young singers of Gabrieli Roar.”BBC Music Magazine
“★★★★★ This is an astonishing recording ... with bells ringing, the organ thundering, and the vibrant voices of 11 young choirs from the training programme Gabrieli Roar. It swept me away.”The Times
“★★★★★ What a stroke of genius ... Paul McCreesh has magnificently recreated this unique coronation rite ... Truly heart-warming; thank heaven for the creative musicians of the world.”Choir & Organ Magazine
“★★★★★ What a barnstorming recording this is ... McCreesh has conceived and executed a magnificent project, extending well beyond its musical and historical framework, creating something of inestimable value for all of us.”Classical Source
“★★★★★ That this disc manages to be far more than a 'Greatest Hits from the Coronations' is a tribute to the imagination and energy of Paul McCreesh, Gabrieli and the young singers of Gabrieli Roar.”Planet Hugill
“One can imagine the virtuosity required by every contributor, at every turn, to make this a reality, let alone a dazzling triumph.”Gramophone
“This is a truly exciting release. In using that word I’m not just referring to the big, set-piece musical items. The smaller-scale pieces are just as thrilling to hear, but in a different fashion. But what makes this album particularly exciting is, firstly, the sense of history and tradition that is so vividly conveyed and, secondly, the fact that so many young musicians – clearly very talented – have been involved. The standard of performance is amazingly high throughout. One expects that from seasoned professionals such as comprise the Gabrieli Consort and Players but the members of Gabrieli Roar have clearly been encouraged and guided to perform to the same standards. Involvement in such a project must have been an extraordinary, possibly life-changing, experience for these young singers. I’m sure it will have made a lasting impression on them.”MusicWeb International
Winged Lion / Signum Classics
SIGCD569
May 2019