Composer: Johannes Brahms
Performer: John Scott, Corydon Singers
Conductor: Matthew Best
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hyperion
Catalogue: CDH55346
Release: 1991
Size: 268 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Motets, Op. 29
01. I. Es ist das Heil uns kommen her
02. II. Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz
03. Geistliches Lied, Op. 30
Sacred choruses for unaccompanied four-part female chorus, Op. 37
04. I. O bone Jesu
05. II. Adoramus te, Christe
06. III. Regina caeli laetare
07. Der 13. Psalm “Herr, wie lange” Op. 27
Motets, Op. 110
08. I. Ich aber bin elend
09. II. Ach, arme Welt
10. III. Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein
Motets, Op. 74
11. I. Warum ist das Licht gegeben?
12. II. O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf
13. Ave Maria, Op. 12
Fest- und Gedenksprüche, Op. 109
14. I. Unsere Väter hofften auf dich
15. II. Wenn ein starker Gewappneter
16. III. Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk
This fabulous recording featuring Matthew Best and the Corydon Singers was first released in 1989 at a time when they were recording the standard repertoire for small choirs for Hyperion, and this disc of Brahms’ motets and shorter sacred choral pieces was, and is, one of their finest. From the smooth and lovely Ave Maria for women’s choir and organ through their hard and harsh “Warum is das Licht gegeben?” to their craggy yet consoling “Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein,” Best and his choir deliver technically impeccable and deeply moving performances. The Corydon Singers tend toward a big, lush, and slightly fruity sound, as is common with English choirs. But one cannot fault their diction, articulation, pronunciation or their tone, blend, and balance. Best’s interpretations are soulful but not sentimental and expressive but not excessive. Recorded in full-bodied digital sound, these performances will likely please fans of Brahms’ sacred choral music.