The Music of Richard Pantcheff, Vol. 1: Choral Music London Choral Sinfonia & Michael Waldron

• Richard Pantcheff:
• 1 Veni sancte spiritus, Op. 21 (Version for Choir & Organ) 03:19
• 2 What Shall We Offer Thee?, Op. 26 05:46
• Evening Canticles, Op. 37 "Aedes Christi":
• 3 Evening Canticles, Op. 37 "Aedes Christi": I. Magnificat 06:46
• 4 Evening Canticles, Op. 37 "Aedes Christi": II. Nunc dimittis 04:09
• 4 Poems of Stephen Crane, Op. 86:
• 5 4 Poems of Stephen Crane, Op. 86: No. 1, A Man Went Before a Strange God 03:57
• 6 4 Poems of Stephen Crane, Op. 86: No. 2, The Livid Lightnings Flashed in the Clouds 05:22
• 7 4 Poems of Stephen Crane, Op. 86: No. 3, In Heaven 04:56
• 8 4 Poems of Stephen Crane, Op. 86: No. 4, I Met a Seer 05:14
• Richard Pantcheff:
• 9 King Henry VIII's Apologia, Op. 35 04:55
• 10 Creator of the Starry Height, Op. 48 04:24
• 11 The Covenant, Op. 60 05:20
• Evening Canticles, Op. 53 "St. Paul's Service":
• 12 Evening Canticles, Op. 53 "St. Paul's Service": I. Magnificat 07:25
• 13 Evening Canticles, Op. 53 "St. Paul's Service": II. Nunc dimittis 04:31
• Richard Pantcheff:
• 14 Turn Again Then unto Thy Rest, Op. 8 02:40
• 15 2 Anthems for Upper Voices, Op. 33: No. 1, Spirit of Mercy 02:59
• Total Runtime 01:11:43

Info for The Music of Richard Pantcheff, Vol. 1: Choral Music

A stunning album of world-premiere recordings showcasing the choral music of British composer Richard Pantcheff, in mesmerising performances by the London Choral Sinfonia directed by Michael Waldron, with pianist Matthew Fletcher and organist Jeremy Cole. The music of Richard Pantcheff, who was mentored by Britten in the last year of that composers life, has a broad appeal, encompassing the intensity of his Four Poems of Stephen Crane, the intimacy of Turn again unto thy rest, the breadth of his St. Pauls Service, and the melodic brilliance of Spirit of Mercy and Veni Sancte Spiritus. Alongside many of his sacred works we hear the secular King Henry VIIIs Apologia, a work of electrifying virtuosity. As conductor Michael Waldron puts it, Pantcheffs music is steeped in the choral tradition but never slips into pastiche: I find it original, inspired and at all times profound. There is music on the album to suit all tastes, and I hope people hearing Richards music for the first time will develop the same love for it as I have.

Matthew Fletcher, Klavier
Jeremy Cole, Orgel
London Choral Sinfonia
Michael Waldron, Dirigent

London Choral Sinfonia
was formed for a concert in the chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, in 2008. Since then, the LCS has secured a reputation as one of the highest-regarded and critically acclaimed chamber choir and orchestral ensembles, performing a broad repertoire throughout the season. A busy performance schedule throughout the year sees the group appearing at venues including Cadogan Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kings Place and St John’s Smith Square.

Aside from championing many of the major cornerstones of the repertoire, the LCS seeks to champion new music, having premiered new works and recordings with numerous composers including Tarik O’Regan, Owain Park, Richard Pantcheff and Ian Assersohn. Recent premieres include former Composer-in-Residence Oliver Rudland’s Christmas Truce, with a libretto by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Performance highlights include Bach Jauchzet Gott with Katherine Watson (soprano) and Crispian Steele-Perkins (trumpet), Bach Motets and Cello Suites with Guy Johnston (cello), Mozart Requiem with Duncan Rock (bass), Mozart Exsultate Jubilate with Mary Bevan (soprano), Britten St Nicolas with Nick Pritchard (tenor), and Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem with Matthew Brook (baritone).

Michael Waldron
began his musical training as a chorister at St Ambrose College, Hale Barns. After a gap year Organ Scholarship at Worcester Cathedral, he held the Organ Scholarship at Trinity College, Cambridge, for four years. Here he studied under Stephen Layton, during which time he was involved with the Choir’s numerous international tours, concerts, broadcasts and recordings. Since graduating, Michael has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile conductors of his generation, enjoying a busy concert career. He has worked with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, Academy of Ancient Music, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Polyphony, London Mozart Players and Tonbridge Philharmonic, including appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall and BBC Proms.

Michael enjoys an extensive operatic career, including shows and projects for the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Buxton International Festival, Iford Opera, Opera Della Luna and West Green Opera.

He is currently Artistic Director of the London Choral Sinfonia, London Lyric Opera, Islington Choral Society, Epworth Choir, and has also held posts with Guildford Choral Society and University of West London Chamber Choir.

Booklet for The Music of Richard Pantcheff, Vol. 1: Choral Music