A perfect Christmas download…
Tenebrae is a professional chamber choir, founded in 2001 by Nigel Short, its director. Often performing by candlelight, the choir creates an atmosphere of spiritual and musical reflection, where mediaeval chant and Renaissance works are interspersed with contemporary compositions. The carefully selected team of singers uses the acoustic and atmosphere of the building to enable the audience to experience the power and intimacy of the human voice.
Tenebrae has an exceptionally wide repertoire, from early mediaeval music through Renaissance, baroque and classical music to romantic and twentieth-century works, plus a range of specially commissioned pieces, the most recent of which is Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles. What Sweeter Music is a real festive treat, with a sumptuous collection of songs and carols for Christmas – touching on traditional favourites (Silent Night, Away in a Manger), modern classics (The Lamb, What Sweeter Music) and some new, light-hearted arrangements (Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas).
"This Christmas collection from Nigel Short’s chamber choir Tenebrae is comprised of three strands: traditional carols, festive favourites, and newer pieces including a trio of songs by John Rutter, and Jonathan Rathbone’s setting of Thomas Hardy’s poem The Oxen. Rutter’s title-track perhaps shows off the choir’s tonal blend to best effect, while Karl Jenkins’ arrangement of "Gaudete" brings a brief burst of ebullience amid the piety. Two tracks which set the album apart: the superbly-measured arrangement of the Appalachian folk tune "I Wonder As I Wander", and Rathbone’s splendid arrangement of "Silent Night". Andy Gill
"...Tenebrae perform these three secular items with evident relish and, indeed, the technical accomplishment that’s in evidence throughout this recital is of the highest order. They bring an effortless excellence to all their singing and deliver the entire programme with supreme professionalism and a good deal of commitment. I can see this disc giving a lot of pleasure this Christmas; I shall certainly be listening to it with great enjoyment during the Festive Season." John Quinn
“...an exquisite account of Rutter’s There is a flower. ” **** Phillip Sommerich
Best Christmas Discs 2009
“A jazzy Jingle Bells launches this varied and seductively sung programme” Geoffrey Norris
Best Christmas Discs Roundup 2009
“...Superbly sung and plenty of fun” David Threasher
