Choral Music (Incls 'Missa Brevis, Op 64')

"Glorious, life-affirming and distinctive choral music in superbly polished performances. was in a (rare) bad mood when I put this disc in my player. Within about five minutes I was diverted, within 10 uplifted. For this is one of those recordings that works its way into your spirit and enriches the soul. The Wells Cathedral Choir throw themselves into Mathias's intricate, fresh settings under Matthew Owens. Enormously enjoyable."
Gramophone Magazine Editor's Choice July 2009

"Welsh composer William Mathias (1934-1992) could write choral works as irresistibly attractive and catchy as the anthem Let the people praise thee, O God (written for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981), and also more harmonically thorny and melodically angular pieces such as the Magnificat (1971) or All wisdom is from the Lord (1982). But no matter the musical setting and structure, the music is invariably comprehensible, expertly written, and profoundly affecting--although never "easy" nor conventionally "pretty". The sound is faithful to the spacious, resonant cathedral acoustic. Highly recommended. (10/10 ClassicsToday April 2010)

William Mathias's ebullient, joyful choral writing, drawing on a variety of musical traditions, is immediately accessible and likeable whilst demonstrating an architectural sophistication that brings it into the top rank of twentieth-century liturgical music. He had a particular flair for brilliance, drama and display, which made his music highly suited to ceremonial and festive occasions; present too in his music is a sense of Celtic mysticism and deep spirituality which enhances such works as 'All wisdom is from the Lord' and 'O nata lux'.

This disc includes a comprehensive selection of his works for choir and organ, spanning his wide-ranging musical career and manifold influences. It is performed by Wells Cathedral Choir-recently described in Gramophone magazine as 'probably the finest English Cathedral choir at the moment'-whose delightfully full-throated, vibrant sound is the perfect vehicle for this repertoire.