This new disc with the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge under Andrew Nethsingha - recording exclusively for Chandos - pays homage to French early 20th c. sacred choral music. Louis Vierne and Jean Langlais employ modern chromatic harmonic language and colorful organ writing in their respective Messes solennelles. Messiaen's motet O sacrum convivium! Is his only published contribution to liturgical choral music. Aside Poulenc's Four Lenten Motets we hear his late four short prayers 'by St Francis of Assisi', a work for a male choir of tenors that exhibits remarkable variety of color.

Tracklist:

Messe Solennelle, Op. 16: Kyrie
Messe Solennelle, Op. 16: Gloria
Messe Solennelle, Op. 16: Sanctus
Messe Solennelle, Op. 16: Benedictus
Messe Solennelle, Op. 16: Agnus Dei
4 Petites Prieres De Saint Francois D'assise, Fp 142: No. 1. Salut, Dame Sainte (Modere, Mais Sans Lenteur)
4 Petites Prieres De Saint Francois D'assise, Fp 142: No. 2. Tout Puissant, Tres Saint (Majestueux Et Eclatant)
4 Petites Prieres De Saint Francois D'assise, Fp 142: No. 3. Seigneur, Je Vous En Prie (Tres Expressif Et Fervent)
4 Petites Prieres De Saint Francois D'assise, Fp 142: No. 4. O Mes Tres Chers Freres (Bien Calme)
O Sacrum Convivium!
4 Motets Pour Un Temps De Penitence, Fp 97: No. 1. Timor Et Tremor
4 Motets Pour Un Temps De Penitence, Fp 97: No. 2. Vinea Mea Electa
4 Motets Pour Un Temps De Penitence, Fp 97: No. 3. Tenebrae Factae Sunt
4 Motets Pour Un Temps De Penitence, Fp 97: No. 4. Tristis Est Anima Mea
Messe Solennelle: Kyrie
Messe Solennelle: Gloria
Messe Solennelle: Sanctus
Messe Solennelle: Benedictus
Messe Solennelle: Agnus Dei

UPC: 095115184226
Label: Chandos
Release Date: 2.24.15
Format: CD

Vierne / Choir Of Saint Johns College, Cambridge - French Sacred Choral Works (CD)