John Sheppard - Cantate Mass: The Sixteen
Two discs and only 4 of 20 tracks are the Cantate mass - there's also a good range of motets including many of Sheppard's best known pieces, such as the Christmas motet Verbum caro factus est and the beautiful Libera nos. If you need convincing of Sheppard's genius, just listen to the Amen of Jesu salvator saeculi, redemptis - taken individually some of the lines sound positively 20th century in their modernity, and in combination it takes your breath away - it's hard not to say 'he can't do that!' - but he does. Perhaps the only criticism is that the Sixteen underplay the clashes so they aren't quite as shocking as they could be. Even so, probably the best introduction to Sheppard now on the market.
CDs by St John’s College, Cambridge
The second of the great Cambridge college choirs, alongside King's, which rank with any of the superb cathedral choirs. At one time John's had a reputation for being a little plodding compared with King's, but these days, they're on top form.
Christmas Proclamation - St. John's College, Cambridge.
Here is a chance to hear Tavener at his best. This incredible value for money CD (at the last check only £4.99 in the UK) includes his two best-known pieces, the stunning The Lamb, as featured in the recent Orange mobile phone TV ads, and Song for Athene, which was used at Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral. But there's plenty more too - try, for example, Funeral Ikos - it's a wonderful CD, with a thoughtful performance from the choir of St. John's College, Cambridge. Click on a ‘See at’ button to hear a number of samples.
God Is With Us: Christmas Proclamation, Song For Athene, The Lamb
The Tiger, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, Funeral Ikos, Two Hymns To The Mother Of God: Hymn To The Mother Of God. Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God, Love Bade Me Welcome, As One Who Has Slept, The Lord's Prayer
Svyati 'O Holy One'
Requiem
St John's Cambridge give an excellent interpretation of Howells' Requiem, and throw in a Mag & Nunc (St Pauls), a Communion service (Collegium Regale), various organ pieces and one of Howell's most delightful anthems, the very moving Like As the Hart. Not only this, but it's a bargain price CD.
