Anthems From Kings (2002)
PAL
DVD
ASIN: B000065UHH
BBC Opus Arte Catalogue Number: OA0834D
with Kings College Choir directed by
Stephen Cleobury
Track Listing
Description:
Made in Golden Jubilee year to commemorate the close association between the 600 year-old choir of Kings College, Cambridge and the British royal family, Anthems from Kings is a pure, majestic demonstration of the qualities of this most distinctive of choirs. The programme eschews the choirs traditional role in the
country's Christmas celebrations for a robust selection of 19th and 20th century anthems by stalwart British and Irish composers including Davies, Balfour Gardiner and Williams. Under the direction of Stephen Cleobury their voices soar, offering inspiration and balm in equal measure,
marvelously served by the unique acoustics of Kings College chapel. The standard throughout is sublime but Harris Bring us, O Lord God and Balfour Gardiners setting for Compline, Evening Hymn, sound exceptional.
The extras include a multi-angle view of Daniel Hyde playing Stanford Postlude in D minor in which the organists technique is shown off to great effect. Most touching, though, is the 30-minute BBC documentary which complements the music, giving some insight into the daily lives of the young choristers.
