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LATEST CD NOW RELEASED
Full of Wills
This disc featuring the music of Dr. Arthur Wills (b. 1926) is a testament to the liturgical choral tradition and features a thoughtfully designed programme of music highlighting the role of the boy choristers. The Boys of Ely Cathedral Choir are accompanied on the organ and piano by the Assistant Organist, Jonathan Lilley. The Director of Music is Paul Trepte.
Full of Wills
Track Listing
Te Deum Laudamus
Missa Brevis
I. Kyrie
II. Gloria
III. Sanctus
IV. Benedictus
V. Lord's Prayer
VI. Agnus Dei
Ave Verum corpus
The Carol of King Canute (arr: for treble voices and piano)
'Ely' (Partsong for treble voices and piano)
Organ: March - 'City of Ely' (Symphonic Suite - 'The Fenlands')
There is no rose
Sing a new song
Evening Canticles
I. Magnificat
II. Nunc Dimittis
'Caedmon' A Children's Cantata with piano accompaniment
Review of CD
Highlights of this CD are The Lord's Prayers in Missa Brevis, Ely, a part song for treble voices and piano, There is no rose and the final Caedmon.
The spine-chilling effect of the pure focussed tone of the boy sopranos and the prayerful soft smooth sustained lines of The Lord's Prayer are enhanced further by Arthur's undoubted empathy with the words. Similar contemplation and beauty permeate There is no rose.
One of the most evocative contributions is Arthur's Ely. With Debussy-like fluidity, Arthur and the accomplished musicians evoke moving and mystical reflections of the beauty of Ely and its surroundings. With sounds reminiscent of Debussy's Submerged Cathedral it is easy to recall the unique splendour of Ely Cathedral standing tall on the Isle of Ely rising above the surrounding flat countryside, once no more than water-logged marshes. Visions of a wide open skies and golden sun rises are readily created. Arthur's ability to reinforce the wording colours the texture exquisitely.
The final composition, Caedmon a children's cantata which tells the story of Caedmon who was miraculously given the gift of singing, is a testament to boyhood and well suited to these young singers. The text by James Tilly, a former Housemaster of the choristers, revels in boyish delights ranging from expressing childhood fears of exclusion to uninhibited fun of feasting on crisps and buns. Arthur's music matches the wording of the texts phenomenally well, incorporating a strong recurring theme that is readily adopted by these fine choristers.
Pianist fortitude and magical turns admirably performed by Jonathan Lilley, raise the level of excitement or despair. The supplementary notes to the CD are remarkably comprehensive with the texts to all the works provided along with fascinating notes about the compositions written by the composer himself. This is definitely a CD worth adding to your collection.
Rosemary Westwell, (PhD, MA TESOL, MA Ed, B Mus, BA Hons)
The Ely Tradition vol. 1
This disc is envisaged as the first volume in a series entitles "The Ely Tradition" to be recorded and released by Priory over a period of time. Each anthem is preceded by an office hymn presented with an organ accompaniment written by Dr. Arthur Wills.
The Music Of Ely Cathedral
Four brand new tracks on this compilation CD including a fine "Hear my prayer" (Mendelssohn) from Charlie Green (Head chorister) and Stanford's "Ye choirs of new Jerusalem" as well as organ solos from the current assistant organist, Jonathan Lilley. The other tracks are drawn from earlier recordings on the Priory label.
The Gateway Of Heaven
This recording made in both the Lady Chapel and Cathedral at Ely features another selection of anthems regularly performed at Ely.
The title of the CD is taken from Paul Trepte's composition "The Gateway of Heaven".
"...it is heaven for which we are made, and for which we yearn, and so often it is through music that we catch a glimpse of our eternal destiny, for it is the gateway of heaven."
Christmas Celebration
East Anglia's Childrens Hospices present A Fine Arts Christmas Celebration from Ely Cathedral. 'Each' acknowledges the kind sponsorship of the CD from Avro Industries Ltd and Kettle Foods. This is the first recording from Ely to feature the newly restored Harrison & Harrison instrument. The Cathedral Choir is directed by Paul Trepte with Scott Farrell at the organ and is joined by the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble.
O How Glorious - Anthems for Evensong from Ely Cathedral
"The glories of the English cathedral choral tradition are maintained in the daily office of Evensong. The choir sings here a selection of favourite anthems regularly performed at Ely. including Parry's "I was Glad" and Harwood's "O How Glorious". This was the last recording to feature the Cathedral's Harrison organ before the rebuilding of 1999-2000."
Christopher Tye - Three Masses
A glorious recording of Tye's "Western Wind", "Euge Bone" and "Peterhouse" made in the wonderfully resonant Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral. Two CDs. Tye was organist of Ely Cathedral and it is more than possible that his masses were written for performance by the Ely choir in precisely this sacred space.
Magnificat And Nunc Dimittis Vol 14
"With fine work by the organist, David Price, and with the choir showing themselves confident, spirited masters of their business, the performances are to be relished."
The Praises Of The Trinity
"...is devoted to (Arthur) Will's music and features the Choir of Ely Cathedral under his worthy successor Paul Trepte, with Sean Farrell accompanying, and Wills himself performing a number of works for solo organ."
Evensong For St Etheldreda
"This is music of ferocious difficulty, and very well sung by the Ely choir which does full justice both to the drama and the beauty of the work."
Carols From Many Lands
"For a truly international and fresh collection try Ely Cathedral and Paul Trepte... Highly recommended."
The Music Of John Amner
"A real ear-opener; a must for all lovers of English church music, both for the quality of the music and the standard of performance."
Praise The Lord O My Soul - Psalms from Ely Cathedral
"Impressively sung with all the passion and drama required to describe the very human emotions portrayed by the Psalmist."
That Glorious Song Of Old
"A really valuable and instructive historical experience, performed with a sense of spacious occasion."
A Song Of Trust
"The programme is familiar enough, but the radiant poise of Bartle's singing and the serene vision of Paul Trepte's well-trained choir make for total satisfaction."
Canticles From Ely
"Stanford shows himself the master, and it is interesting to observe how he brings out the best in the choir, fine in tone, purposeful in style."
Sing Joy The Day - Carols from Ely
"The boys are impressive, making a good sound throughout, and singing with feeling and expression."
The Complete English Hymnal (vol 3)
Volume three in the series 'The Complete New English Hymnal was recorded in March 2000 in St John's Church, Hackney, London. This CD contains 26 Hymns sung either to plainsong, standard or modern hymn tunes. The Cathedral Choir is directed by Paul Trepte with Scott Farrell at the organ.
The Stanford Canticles from Ely
One of our most popular older recordings, this disc features a selection of canticle settings regularly performed at Ely. The Cathedral Choir is directed by Paul Trepte with Jeremy Filsell at the cathedral organ.
They that go down to the sea
This recording from Ely is a sequel to the hugely popular 'Will your Anchor hold' CD again funded by Anglia for the RNLI. Ely Cathedral Choir. Directed by Paul Trepte and Scott Farrell. Organist - Scott Farrell. Piano - Paul Trepte.
Will Your Anchor Hold
Recorded in aid of the RNLI, celebrating its 175th anniversary of saving lives at sea, this recording features a tuneful selection of nautical hymns and songs with organ or instrumental accompaniment. The Cathedral Choir is directed by Paul Trepte with Scott Farrell at the organ and instrumentals played by Rodney and Rebecca Hall.
