Just a few random musings on some of the selections in the current playlist...
Croft, Purcell: The Sentences
This is the way that every Anglican would want to start his/her going out. Normally these are spoken by the celebrant, but the occasion of Diana's funeral at Westminster Abbey gives us a rare example of how the Funeral Sentences are sung. Few choirs can tackle this chore well, and that is why I feature this recording year after year.
Victoria: Missa pro defunctis cum sex vocibus (1605)
A deeply personal selection. But it also helps that this recording in the 80s was somewhat of a milestone in recorded early music.
Willan: How they so softly rest
Such an exquisite piece, again pointing to the fact that Willan is such a magnificent and yet underappreciated composer.
Howells: Take him, earth, for cherishing
Composed by this 20th century giant of English composers in response to the assassination of US President John Kennedy in November 1963.
Kellam: Agnus Dei
Composed in remembrance of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City.
Duruflé: Requiem Op.9
This recording was actually conducted by Duruflé himself in the 1950s.
Tavener: Alleluia. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest - Silence - Bells
Another selection from the Diana funeral, but quite possibly one of the most moving funeral recessionals ever imagined. A big reason why I feature this recording year after year...and I feel the silence afterwards and then the bells are very important.
