An all-too-rare new recording from Polyphony and Stephen Layton presents highlights from the choral repertoire by four twentieth-century American giants: Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Randall Thompson. Framed by Thompson’s understated favourites Alleluia and Fare Well, the programme includes Bernstein’s Missa brevis, Copland’s early set of four motets, and—of course—Barber’s inimitable Agnus Dei. 1Alleluia[6'12]Randall Thompson (1899-1984)2Agnus Dei[9'07]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)Reincarnations Op 16[9'36]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)3Mary Hynes She is the sky of the sun[2'23]4Anthony O'Daly Since your limbs were laid out[3'07]5The coolin' Come with me, under my coat[4'06]Missa brevis[11'49]Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)6Kyrie[1'10]7Gloria[2'48]with David Allsopp (countertenor), Robert Millett (percussion)8Sanctus[1'22]with Christopher Lowrey (countertenor)9Benedictus[1'21]with David Allsopp (countertenor), Robert Millett (percussion)10Agnus Dei[2'40]with David Allsopp (countertenor)11Dona nobis pacem Agnus Dei[2'28]with Christopher Lowrey (countertenor), Robert Millett (percussion)Four Motets[11'28]Aaron Copland (1900-1990)12Help us, O Lord[2'57]13Thou, O Jehovah, abideth forever[2'23]14Have mercy on us, O my Lord[4'09]15Sing ye praises to our king[1'59]16Twelfth Night No night could be darker than this night (No 1 of Two Pieces, Op 42)[4'48]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)17To be sung on the water Beautiful, my delight (No 2 of Two Pieces, Op 42)[2'54]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)18A nun takes the veil 'Heaven-haven' I have desired to go (No 1 of Four Songs, Op 13)[2'43]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)19The virgin martyrs Therefore come they, the crowding maidens (No 1 of Two Choruses, Op 8)[3'34]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)20Let down the bars, O death (No 2 of Two Choruses, Op 8)[2'35]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)21Fare Well When I lie where shades of darkness[9'19]Randall Thompson (1899-1984) ‘It was put together from recycled material—and it shows—but it does offer an insight into unfamiliar Bernstein with echoes of before and after … there are some attractive solos, beautifully sung by countertenor David Allsopp’ (Gramophone) ‘It's often the familiar, hackneyed pieces which most fully reveal the character of an ensemble or performer, the mirror in which their interpretive mettle is most fully reflected. In that respect I've no hesitation in saying this is the finest performance of Barber's Agnus Dei I've heard by any choir, live or on record … a wonderful recital, not to be missed’ (BBC Music Magazine)» More PERFORMANCE RECORDING ‘Stephen Layton’s Polyphony are an always impressive choir of startling purity and clarity. This collection of 20th-century US material encompasses familiar pieces’ (The Guardian)» More ‘The peerless choir offer meticulously blended and shaped performances of 20th-century a cappella American choral works’ (The Sunday Times)» More ‘To mark Independence Day here is a disc that makes the mid-20th century in the US seem a pinnacle of choral music … the brilliant Polyphony and its conductor, Stephen Layton, can do no wrong’ (Financial Times)» More ‘Polyphony is a fabulous group, and Stephen Layton has done wonders with them over the years. It’s excursion into the realm of Americana shows a depth of understanding and complete mastery of the idiom that differs in many ways from the modern choral compositions of the British school … a glowing recording done at All Hallows, Gospel Oak in London that resonates with depth and splendor. Definitely a keeper’ (Audiophile Audition, USA)» More ‘The music on this programme is consistently interesting and everything is performed with the consummate skill that one has come to associate with Stephen Layton and Polyphony. The sessions were spread over quite a period of time but the recorded sound seems pretty consistent to me: the team of producer Adrian Peacock and engineer David Hinitt have produced very pleasing sound. Meurig Bowen's notes are excellent’ (MusicWeb International)» More
