 CRD3467 |
Thomas Tomkins The Third Service and Anthems The Choir of New College, Oxford Directed by Edward Higginbottom Third Service O Lord, let me know mine end O that the salvation were given Know you not In Nomine (1648) In Nomine (1652) Organ Voluntaries |
Gramophone
"This well-balanced programme of
sacred music by Thomas Tomkins is a worthy addition to the distinguished series
of recordings already released by the Choir of New College, Oxford. The four
movements of the Third, or Great Service, together with the three anthems are
spaced out with five organ pieces-two In Nomines and three voluntaries-chosen
and arranged in such a way that the resulting key sequence has a satisfying
natural flow. After an unassuming intonation, the truly royal Te Deum of the
Great Service takes off with great verve and vigour, the rich ten-part texture
of the full sections contrasting well with the lighter scoring of the verses.
This energy and these contrasts are characteristic of the performances as a
whole: and, as regards contrasts, I would include contrasts of mood, which are
well defined and much to the fore, from the outburst of joy in the second verse
of the Magnificat to the sombre reflectiveness of O Lord, let me know mine end.
I enjoyed some of the delightful solo singing in the verse anthems, in
particular the alto solo in O Lord, let me know mine end. The two solo trebles
are kept busy: they have a rather distinctive but complementary tone-quality.
In general the balance is good and the ensemble and dovetailing excellent. The
trebles are a confident group with good articulation; they soar up to their top
B flats with the utmost ease. Highly recommended."
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