Celebration of the Spirit – Bernstein, Rutter, Britten, Tippett (UNITED CLASSICS) - CD

UPC: 8713545230215 

MPN: T2CD2013021 

Brand Name: UNITED CLASSICS

Overview

Celebration of the Spirit brings together powerful 20th-century sacred works by Leonard Bernstein, John Rutter, Benjamin Britten, and Michael Tippett. Performed by the renowned Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, under the direction of Timothy Brown, this recording unites diverse choral traditions in a vibrant program of psalms, anthems, cantatas, and spirituals. With lush sonorities, expressive solos, and the clarity of one of Britain’s leading collegiate choirs, this album offers a rich journey through modern sacred choral music.

Product Features

• Format: CD, Album
• Total Length: 72:31 minutes
• Country of Manufacture: EU

• Performers:

  Recording Venue: All Saints Church, Tooting, London (January 1996)
  • The Choir of Clare College, Cambridge
  • Timothy Brown – conductor
  • Rachel Masters – harp (tracks 1–3)
  • Jonathan Brown – organ (tracks 1–8)
  • The John Wallace Collection (tracks 4–6)

Interesting Facts

• Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms (1965) uniquely sets Hebrew psalms with rhythmic vitality and lyrical tenderness, combining choral tradition with modern tonal language.
• Rutter’s Gloria (1974) is one of his most celebrated concert works, scored for choir, brass, organ, and percussion, blending festive brilliance with devotional warmth.
• Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb (1943), set to the visionary poetry of Christopher Smart, is one of his most profound and imaginative cantatas.
• Tippett’s Five Negro Spirituals are drawn from his oratorio A Child of Our Time (1941) and remain powerful choral expressions of resilience and faith.
• The Choir of Clare College, Cambridge is internationally recognized for its purity of sound and has an extensive discography under Timothy Brown’s long leadership.

Track Listing

Leonard Bernstein – Chichester Psalms

1. Psalm 108, v.2; Psalm 100 (Maestoso ma energico) – 4:06
2. Psalm 2, vv.1-4; Psalm 23, vv.1-6 (Andante con moto, ma tranquillo) – 5:00
3. Psalm 131; Psalm 133, v.1 (Prelude – Peacefully flowing) – 8:18

John Rutter – Gloria 4. Gloria in excelsis Deo (Allegro vivace) – 5:23 5. Domine Deus, Rex caelestis (Andante) – 7:15 6. Quoniam tu solus sanctus (Vivace è ritmico) – 5:21

Benjamin Britten 7. Festival Te Deum, Op.32 (Choir & Organ) – 7:02 8. Rejoice in the Lamb – Festival Cantata, Op.30 – 17:41

Michael Tippett – Five Negro Spirituals (from A Child of Our Time) 9. Steal away – 2:57 10. Nobody knows – 1:25 11. Go down, Moses – 2:47 12. By and by – 1:21 13. Deep river – 3:47

Total Time: 72:31 minutes

Publishers

• Label: Columns Classics / FFC T2 International BV
• PInternational LC 29413
• Manufactured & printed in the EU
• Distribution: UNITED CLASSICS

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