Howells Stabat Mater Conducted by David Hill
The three works on this recording mark staging posts in Herbert Howells' compositional life. Sine Nomine was commissioned at Elgar's instigation when Howells was 30 and is predominantly orchestral, with wordless parts for the two vocal soloists. This arch-like 'spiritual meditation' was his first extended work for larger forces.
Like the Hymnis paradisi, the Stabat Mater is a direct musical response to the death of the composer’s nine year-old son, and further reveals his mastery of choral and orchestral polyphony. The Te Deum signalled a fresh and new approach to settings of Anglican canticles.
Benjamin Hullet, Tenor
Alison Hill, Soprano
The Bach Choir
A fine reading, much enhanced by the tender beauty of tenor soloist Benjamin Hulett, who brings elegance and urgency to this anguished work.
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