Search - Wesley, Geoffrey Webber :: Sacred Choral Music

Enjoyable anachronism

Brooks | Chappaqua, New York USA | 01/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Samuel Wesley was, along with Mozart, considered to be the English child-prodigy of his time. Born in the 1760's, his career was hindered when he fell into a construction pit and suffered from subsequent mental illness and depression that prevented him from earning a good living. An arch-conservative by taste, he was an ardent early fan of J.S. Bach's music, whose influence can be heard in this choral work along with that of Mozart and Haydn, leading to a very interesting and unique sound--a blend of Baroque, classical, and a touch of early romanticism. Although some of his works are contrapuntal such as the famous In Exitu Israel, most are composed in a straightforward choral style, the best example of this being the Evening Service in F, yet he does take unexpected harmonic twists that add interest to what would ordinarly seem fairly plain. The co-ed choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge has a wonderful, crisp tone that also has that glowing, crystaline sound so unique to English choirs. I personally am a bigger fan of mixed choirs over all-male ones such as Kings College, as great as they are. Once again, a great discovery for English music, and it is a pity that these choral pieces, especially the short devotional ones such as "Tu es saecredos" (the harmony on this one will send shivers down your spine), are not in the regular repertoire. Once again, a wonderful discovery and a must-buy for all lovers of church music."